Decision ’93 / A Look at the Elections in Los Angeles County : Los Angeles City Council / 7th DISTRICT : Q AND A

CONTENDERS

Richard Anthony Alarcon, 39, of Mission Hills took a leave of absence from his position as Valley-area coordinator for Mayor Tom Bradley to make his first bid for public office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cal State Northridge.

LeRoy Chase Jr., 48, of Sylmar is the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley and is manager of the Pacoima Community Center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in health education, physical education and recreation administration from the University of Utah. He has never before run for public office.

Albert Dib, 58, of Sylmar has taken a leave of absence as businessman in the produce industry to be a candidate. He has studied music at the Juilliard School of Music and Westlake College of Modern Music, in addition to studying psychology at Los Angeles City College. He ran for the 7th District City Council seat in 1989.

Anne V. Finn, 78, of Sylmar has served on the Los Angeles grand jury, the San Fernando Valley Advisory Group on Transportation Solutions and is currently a commissioner on the Handicapped Access Appeals Board. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin and worked as a social worker in California. She is the widow of Los Angeles City Councilman Howard Finn.

Lyle Everett Hall, 53, of North Hollywood is a fire captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department. He attended UCLA and USC and completed a five-month trade program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business. In 1989, he ran for the 7th District City Council seat.

Raymond Joseph Magana, 38, of Sylmar was a field deputy for City Councilman Ernani Bernardi until last September and served as chairman of both the Sylmar Citizens Committee on Planning and the Pacoima Enterprise Zone. He also was on the Los Angeles Citizen Panel on Transportation Solutions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Cal State Northridge and a law degree from UC Davis Law School. He is an attorney and holds a California real estate brokers license. This is his first bid for public office.

Henry Reyes Villafana, 29, of Pacoima teaches fifth and sixth grades at Telfair Elementary School in Pacoima, which he attended as a youth. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from USC. This is his first bid for public office.

Significant Problem

Q. What do you believe is the most significant problem facing the district? How would you solve it?

Alarcon: Crime and the overall deterioration of the quality of life in this community. I propose a districtwide community council to formulate a plan of action to improve community services, job opportunities, organize better access to city government and other resources and enhance our land utilization with emphasis on opportunities for youth development.

Chase: Jobs, crime, safety, a clean community, activities for young people. The 7th District received inadequate consideration in many areas.

Dib: Crime. We need police and stronger Neighborhood Watch programs. Also, we need more job opportunities and programs for young people to keep them off the streets.

Finn: Personal safety. The city needs to cut spending by consolidating agencies, departments and commissions with overlapping functions. With creative spending cuts and funds raised from the privatization of selected city services, we can hire additional police, which we need right now.

Hall: Public safety and crime. We need more police on our streets. Hire trained reserve officers and use civilians to replace uniformed personnel in desk jobs. I will create tougher anti-graffiti and anti-gang programs.

Magana: I believe the most significant problem facing the 7th District is the lack of jobs. It is extremely important to create an environment which promotes the business climate. We must provide tax incentives for industry to locate and/or stay in Los Angeles and work with federal officials on more benefits for the enterprise zones.

Villafana: The most significant problem facing our district is public safety. Creating an environment of safety will require greater support of our Police Department (I will reallocate over 50% of my City Council salary to police protection in the form of an overtime pool); community involvement; and a strong and caring program by city government to serve the children of our community.

City Services

Q. Do you believe the San Fernando Valley gets its fair share of city services?

Alarcon: Certainly the northeast Valley does not. Police deployment is inadequate, community plans are outdated, access to City Hall is limited, a disproportionate share of landfills and heavy industrial uses negatively impacts the quality of life, housing stock is deteriorated, our streets are in bad need of repair.

Chase: No. Based on the tax dollars spent by the 7th District in the Valley, residents have never received their fair share of city services. The Valley has 40% of the city’s population, but receives only about 25% of city services.

Dib: No. The Valley has been shortchanged for decades, because the power brokers at City Hall have diminished our voting strength by reapportionment. By underrepresenting the Valley, we have not had a strong voice in the government.

Finn: No. We need a stronger voice. I am disturbed that the Valley, with its large handicapped population, will be the last part of the city to have services to comply with the American With Disabilities Act. I have concerns that the recent water rate restructuring will hurt Valley folks with large families and large lots. We are lacking adequate street maintenance, required because of the use of heavy vehicles to dispose of trash at the Lopez Canyon Landfill.

Hall: No. We are the “orphan” of city programs, priorities and spending. For example, while Rebuild L.A. focuses on South-Central, there is no similar effort to bring more jobs and business into the Valley. Further, the city police and fire presence is far too small here.

Magana: I do not believe that the Valley receives its fair share of city services as there appears to be the perception that the Valley continues to be an all-white, affluent community, and of course this is not the case. For example, despite the fact that the 7th District experienced over 40 incidents as a result of the riots, there was and continues to be no discussion of “rebuilding” the Valley.

Villafana: District 7 has not received its fair share. I point to the lack of meaningful improvements at Hansen Dam, with little Community Redevelopment Agency money spent here and lack of coordination of services for our young people.

Government Efficiency

Q. Do you believe there is any city department that is doing an inadequate job of delivering services?

Alarcon: All city departments can improve both service levels and the quality of service to area residents. More effective coordination between departments, improved productivity and increased accountability by management are all needed.

Chase: I will not single out one department, because so many of them duplicate services, and one inadequacy can affect many departments.

Dib: Considering the lack of resources given them by the mayor and council, some departments of the city, such as the fire and paramedics, are doing a fine job. Most of the government however is bloated and needs a sharp kick in the pants.

Finn: Yes. Each city department must justify its existence.

Hall: There is far too much waste and “fat” in the budget. Available funds do not cover those programs upon which so many people rely. Further, too many city programs are inefficiently managed, without an eye to cost-saving and the timely delivery of services.

Magana: I believe that most departments can be more efficient and “customer friendly” in delivering their quality product. We have a departmental system that has been in place since the 1920s and needs to be restructured.

Villafana: Inadequate services are not the problem. It is inefficient service that drains our city’s coffers. The Sanitation Department spends more than $7 million in overtime. We need to look at the 20-plus city departments and agencies to see which can be eliminated or cut back.

Privatization Possibilities

Q: Do you support privatization of some city services?

Alarcon: I am skeptical that privatization is a long-term solution to our budget dilemma. While it may provide the appearance of a quick fix, it may ultimately work against our overall economic needs. However, I am open to the concept and may consider supporting limited privatization under very stringent conditions.

Chase: I support privatization of some city services. The private sector should be allowed to bid on a percentage of jobs. For example, street maintenance and street lights.

Dib: Yes. We must look at everything from vehicle maintenance to building maintenance to trash collection.

Finn: Yes. LAX could be leased now to generate revenues; however, until the numbers are known, it is essential to protect the city with a short-term lease.

Hall: City government should study the impact of privatization as it relates to saving money and its impact on jobs. Municipal departments, labor unions, private contractors and the public must all have input into any decisions. The bottom line is the effective delivery of services.

Magana: I believe privatization of some city services should be carefully considered, but it is extremely important that they be efficient and cost-effective. For example, leasing city-owned airports and using private companies for trash collection should be investigated.

Villafana: Many city services should be put to bid. This should be done on a trial basis in selected areas of the city. A few of the many services which could be put to bid include trash pick-up, parking enforcement and architectural design.

Charter Reforms

Q. Do you believe in the need for City Charter reforms?

Alarcon: Yes. The City Charter is ambiguous, vague and unwieldy. The charter must be simplified, so that anyone can understand it.

Chase: I’m sure there are needed reforms and I need to review and have input on the charter before determining what needs to be reformed.

Dib: The City Charter is 900 pages long. Much of it needs to be repealed and updated in the form of ordinances that can be easily modernized by a vote of the City Council rather than costly charter elections every other year.

Finn: Yes. Power and responsibility is spread too thinly among agencies, commissions and the City Council. Los Angeles would benefit from a stronger mayor’s office, better equipped to handle local, state and national requirements.

Hall: No. I believe some minor adjustments may be necessary, but the civil service guidelines and protections for the public have generally worked well and should be retained.

Magana: I do feel that there is a need for City Charter reforms. For example, all department heads should not be subject to civil-service protection. I also believe that there should be term limits for elected officials.

Villafana: Yes.

Term Limits

Q. Do you favor term limits for elected city officials?

Alarcon: Historically, I have had doubts about term limits. At this time, however, I favor reasonable limits based on the unfair incumbency factor and the need to create new leadership in Los Angeles. The terms should allow our representatives to become acclimated with the system so that they can be effective without allowing them to become stagnant and complacent.

Chase: No. However, I favor citizens becoming more involved in the election process and holding elected officials accountable. In our democracy, we vote candidates in and out. Term limits sound good, but they really force us to give up our right to keep good representatives and to get rid of the bad ones.

Dib: Yes. Two terms or 10 years for council members elected mid-term.

Finn: If an extremely qualified person is voted into public office, there is great value to that office. His or her length of service should be determined by the will of the voters, not by law.

Hall: I support term limits because the public seemingly has lost faith in the political system and many of the people in it. A two-term limit for elected officials may help restore public confidence.

Magana: The mayor and City Council members should be limited to holding office for two terms.

Villafana: All city elected officials should be limited to two consecutive terms.

Business Climate

Q. What can City Hall do to improve the business climate in Los Angeles?

Alarcon: We must develop a citywide strategic plan for economic development that seeks to create better paying jobs, develop a skilled work force and cut bureaucratic red tape. We must also develop a Los Angeles marketing program to attract businesses.

Chase: First, City Hall can streamline city departments and create a business-friendly community by eliminating all of the unnecessary red tape that hinders the implementation of business activity. Second, we must find ways to fund city services without always taxing our businesses.

Dib: City Hall can work with L.A.-based legislators to reform AQMD and workers’ compensation laws. They can also work to enact enterprise zones, simplify the permit process and control runaway utility costs.

Finn: The present process is a series of barriers to business development. The process needs to be streamlined.

Hall: Simplify and speed up the city permitting process so that small businesses--the backbone of the Valley--can more easily open and expand, thus providing jobs and more tax revenue. The city must offer incentives for new business and create a “business-friendly” atmosphere. We must offer tax incentives for business and develop “enterprise zones” in which they can flourish.

Magana: City Hall needs to actively promote the assets of Los Angeles, including its ports and its tremendous freeway and rail systems. There is also a great need to streamline and consolidate the business permit process, to prove economic incentives for businesses so they will remain in Los Angeles or relocate here.

Villafana: The city can stop the 7 1/2% business surtax, reduce business fees and have a one-stop business license service center. The city should actively seek to attract new business and capital. Los Angeles is a lucrative market and should be promoted as such.

Illegal Immigrants

Q. Do you believe illegal immigrants have any impact on crime or the downturn in the Los Angeles economy?

Alarcon: Every major study has concluded that, by and large, undocumented immigrants are law-abiding members of our society who put more into the system than they take out. At the same time, like any other group, there are those who would break the law and drain the public dole. I feel strongly that anyone convicted of a felony should be immediately deported.

Chase: Yes. Terrorism is a crime and a frightening environment in which to live and work. This county has become vulnerable to violent, unpredictable acts that do not promote a positive climate for growth in any community.

Dib: Yes. We must have stronger border controls. It may be cheaper for Los Angeles to help pay for the border patrols than the increased costs for welfare, education and crime.

Finn: Yes. The federal government is in charge of the immigration department. It is their responsibility to solve the problem and, in the meantime, pay for the expenses of its impact.

Hall: The spiraling influx of undocumented people has definitely impacted the city’s crime rate and economic condition. L.A. must not be a magnet for undocumented people. Undocumented people who commit crimes should be punished and deported.

Magana: No. However, both the state and federal government need to do their share and contribute to the local jurisdiction for services provided to the undocumented community, i.e., citizenship-training classes being provided by the Los Angeles Community College District.

Villafana: The cuts in the defense/aerospace industry, overvalued real estate and bank speculation are the roots of the economic downturn. The majority of immigrants are decent, hard-working people. Those who are not should feel the full force of the law.

Police Officers

Q. Do you favor a proposal on the June ballot to increase property taxes to pay for 1,000 new police officers?

Alarcon: As a council member, I would not impose this tax on the people. Only voters should be able to prioritize their individual needs and make informed decisions on which proposals they support with respect to this tax measure. Considering the bleak revenue picture and what appears to be rampant crime in every neighborhood in this city, I will personally vote for the June ballot measure.

Chase: No, I support maintaining the 1/2% sales tax if the money can be used for more police officers in the community. Municipal employees, in various departments, can be transferred to the LAPD and trained for administration duties.

Dib: No. We have the money in the budget if we get rid of the fat in the bureaucracy.

Finn: Yes. We also need to put more of our officers on the street and staff desks with volunteers, reserve officers or trained non-police employees.

Hall: No. It is poorly written. We should trim fat and waste from the city budget, hire trained reserve officers and put civilians into desk jobs so that more uniformed officers can be on our streets.

Magana: No. Although I agree we need more police officers, I am against the piecemeal approach to attaining additional law enforcement. What is needed is a long-term plan which examines the number of police officers that are needed based on crime and population statistics and then we must devise a long-term plan to adequately fund the number needed.

Villafana: I will not vote for an increase in property tax. We need to prioritize our budget to meet police needs. We can do it if we have the will.

Excessive Force

Q. Do you believe excessive force by the Los Angeles Police Department is a consistent and systematic problem?

Alarcon: The demands and pressures placed on police officers requires constant review of issues related to excessive force. While excessive force occurs, I am not prepared to conclude the problem is systematic. The Christopher Commission showed us that the problems in law enforcement are relegated to a relatively small percentage of the department and that these officers should be weeded out. Most important, we must not confuse force, a necessary evil in this day and age, with excessive force, a monster which must be removed for the benefit of all residents.

Chase: Yes, but less than in the past. The consistent and systematic problems that have plagued the community in the past are drawing attention, and attempts are being made to address them by both the community and the Police Department. It is imperative to remain concerned and aware.

Dib: No. However, we must listen to law enforcement officials and not inject politics into police procedures.

Finn: I am confident that, with the new training, many positive changes will be made.

Hall: No, it is not a systematic problem. When there are problems, committed by a few bad officers, they must be dealt with swiftly and fairly. Insensitivity to any of the city’s diverse population and communities, or excessive force by the LAPD, is intolerable.

Magana: Yes.

Villafana: The majority of police officers care about their community and the people they serve. There are some, as in any profession, who tarnish the image of the whole through their actions. Officers found to have used excessive force should be terminated.

Police Complaints

Q. Do you believe complaints against the Police Department are handled properly?

Alarcon: Improvement is needed. People must find a clear and simple system in order to lodge complaints. Only when the department fully encourages complaints, both in theory and in practice, will the public feel the department is in partnership with the community.

Chase: Currently, complaints are being addressed with new vigor, and I’m encouraged in what I see in terms of the community and police working together.

Dib: Yes.

Finn: Perhaps an independent task force of volunteers from the local business and residential communities could be appointed to help to promptly investigate complaints. People need to feel that their complaints are heard and addressed quickly and efficiently.

Hall: Generally, yes. Both the LAPD’s complaint-procedure process and the availability of an interested media corps assure that most citizen complaints are reasonably handled.

Magana: No.

Villafana: An independent committee should handle police complaints.

Sensitivity Training

Q. Do you believe police officers need racial sensitivity training?

Alarcon: Given the unique diversity of Los Angeles, I believe racial sensitivity training is absolutely essential. Ethnic awareness and tolerance will result in fewer instances of miscommunication, better treatment of all people and fewer potential lawsuits.

Chase: Yes, I believe sensitivity training regarding diverse populations and sensitivity to circumstances would assist officers in being more professional.

Dib: Yes. It should be ongoing as continued education, just like continued education is necessary for lawyers, accountants and others. The Police Commission added a number of full days of training to the Police Academy curriculum just for this purpose. It was necessary and appropriate.

Finn: Everybody needs racial sensitivity training. “Race” is artificial; “racism” is real.

Hall: LAPD officers must be given all the tools and training they need so they can safeguard the people and better serve the community. I think the LAPD has significantly improved its racial/cultural sensitivity training. I think all municipal employees would benefit from such sensitivity training.

Magana: Yes.

Villafana: All citizens of L.A. need racial sensitivity training, not just our police officers. I completed my fourth marathon recently. If we could care for and reach out for one another as the participants, volunteers and spectators did that day, L.A. would be a much more beautiful city.

Improving Relations

Q. What have you done to improve race relations?

Alarcon: As a co-founder of Valley Leadership Institute, a San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council board member, a chairman for the Northeast Valley Community action project and currently working to establish a Northeast Valley Intercultural Community Relations Response Team, I know that promoting cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity and cultural exchange will result in cultural tolerance, an absolutely vital ingredient if Los Angeles is to survive with any level of harmony.

Chase: I have worked with the people in this district for 25 years involving them as a community team promoting the growth and development of young people. I have personally guided, counseled and assisted more than 25,000 young people and their families in dealing with crime, unemployment, race relations, social adjustments, job training and related areas.

Dib: I served as a member of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People. I have worked with and served on the board of directors of Chicano Community Workers. As chairman of the Neighborhood Watch in my area, we have very close working ties with all races of individuals who have come together to protect their homes.

Finn: Personally, I am colorblind. I believe in people. I have always, and will always continue to, put people first.

Hall: I am a 31-year firefighter veteran who has been involved in protecting lives and property in both South-Central and East Los Angeles. I was assigned to the LAFD’s Community Relations Unit and worked on minority hiring policies and better race relations within the department. As president of the City Firefighters Union, I negotiated non-discriminatory clauses into every contract and worked on enforcement standards and disciplinary codes for violations of LAFD personnel rules.

Magana: I have always had an excellent relationship with all races. My campaign committee as well as community supporters include members from diverse racial backgrounds. During the April, 1992, riots, I assisted in facilitating community meetings with all segments of the population to provide healing and understanding. I am a member of the NAACP, San Fernando Valley chapter, and the Pacoima Coordinating Council.

Villafana: My work as a teacher allows me to attack myths and racial stereotypes on a daily basis.

District Breakup

Q. Do you believe the Los Angeles Unified School District should be broken up?

Alarcon: I strongly support a massive restructuring of LAUSD to give local schools greater control and parents a greater role in our children’s education and safety in schools. I will consider a more drastic breakup of the system if the interim solution does not work, and when and if a specific proposal surfaces.

Chase: Yes. All evidence appears to indicate that students and their families have been shortchanged. Lack of accountability of those officials in charge and apparent student test scores are prime examples.

Dib: Absolutely. Local schools are the cornerstone for a sound education policy. The school district’s bloated bureaucracy must be dismantled so tens of millions of dollars can be spent in the classroom.

Finn: I believe that the school board has become an ineffective and unresponsive bureaucracy. I support the breaking up of the school district into smaller, more efficient and educationally manageable units as a means of encouraging family participation. The real educational crisis is woefully inadequate funding.

Hall: Yes. It is far too big, unwieldy and bureaucratic to serve its students. A Valley school district would mean more parental, teacher and student input into school activities and priorities. I also favor more school-based control.

Magana: Yes. Education is a basic institution of any civil society. Currently, this single-purpose institution is failing and is financially bankrupt. Our kids are our future. Their prospects are not great in the current system. We need to allow those most impacted by the system to have more access and control of it.

Villafana: The administration of schools should be left to the parents, teachers and principals of each school site. Only those functions that are cost-effective should be handled through a central office.

School Attendance

Q. Do your children attend private or public schools?

Alarcon: Public schools. My son graduated from Polytechnic High School. My daughter graduated from Monroe High School and is currently attending CSUN. Another daughter attends Sepulveda Middle School. I also have a son who attends public school in New Mexico.

Chase: Private.

Dib: My children attended public schools.

Finn: My three grown daughters attended public schools.

Hall: I raised my six children in Los Angeles. Four of them attended public schools, two of them attended both.

Magana: My two daughters are too young to attend grade school. However, even though I am a product of public education through the professional level, I am not certain I would send them to the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Villafana: I have no children, but I am a product of the Los Angeles Unified School District. I have been teaching for four years at Telfair Elementary School in Pacoima, the same school which I attended as a child.

Campaign Financing

Q. Are you satisfied with public financing of election campaigns?

Alarcon: Yes, because public financing reduces the influence of special interests. I am pleased to know my largest single contributor will be the taxpayers of this city, to whom I will always be beholden.

Chase: I’m satisfied with the efforts of the system that’s been approved by the voters.

Dib: Yes.

Finn: I think that it could be enormously improved.

Hall: I have no problem with public financing of campaigns, but I would like to see new regulations which will better serve the voters.

Magana: I believe public financing is a good objective. However, the current process is contradictory when it comes to community events. For example, if you want to have a community picnic at $10 per individual, the reporting requirements are prohibitive.

Villafana: No. All candidates should voluntarily commit to spending no more than $5,000.

Liquor Stores

Q. Do you believe a ban on liquor stores is an effective way to reduce crime?

Alarcon: Absolutely. However, not all liquor stores are problematic. I will work hard to reduce the high number of liquor outlets in the 7th District.

Chase: Yes. In certain areas, a ban on liquor stores will limit certain crimes. The 7th District is overly saturated with liquor stores, and the presence of the number of liquor stores we have does not create benefits for the residential or business community.

Dib: No, but we must look at reducing liquor-store operations in high-crime areas.

Finn: Zoning regulations should be evaluated, then strictly enforced.

Hall: Yes. I favor fewer liquor stores in our neighborhoods. However, store owners must be compensated for any permits which are revoked.

Magana: Partially, yes.

Villafana: Yes.

Halfway Houses

Q. Do you support halfway houses in residential areas?

Alarcon: Only when community safety and harmony can be assured with the full support of the affected communities.

Chase: I do not support a plan that devalues the residential community input. If that community has not been allowed a voice in the decision regarding the location of the facility, I can’t support it.

Dib: I oppose the Phoenix House at its current location in Lake View Terrace, but I believe there are other sites in Lake View Terrace which are appropriate for it. I believe that halfway houses should be located in appropriate areas throughout this city so that no one community carries the entire burden.

Finn: The need is surely there. Perhaps the location of the halfway houses should be determined by the residents of the proposed areas.

Hall: Yes. They serve their clients well and ultimately restore useful citizens to society. However, any halfway house should be built with the cooperation of the community.

Magana: No.

Villafana: Halfway houses should not be located in residential areas.

Lopez Canyon

Q. Would you support a renewal of the city’s permit to operate the Lopez Canyon Landfill, which will expire in 1996?

Alarcon: No.

Chase: No.

Dib: No. Rail haul, recycling and other technologies are the future of trash disposal.

Finn: No. The northeastern San Fernando Valley has for too long been the dumping ground for the entire city. It is time the other parts of the city bear their fair share. The city must redouble its commitment to waste-stream reduction through expanded recycling and, most importantly, composting.

Hall: No. The landfill is already filled to capacity, and trucks entering and leaving the neighborhood cause noise and air pollution. Landfills should not be operating in residential neighborhoods.

Magana: No.

Villafana: No.

Enterprise Zone

Q. The Pacoima enterprise zone provides state tax credits to businesses that hire the unemployed or make capital investments that boost the local economy. What would you do to make it work more effectively? Do you support expansion of the current 4,300-acre zone?

Alarcon: The Pacoima enterprise zone must develop a marketing strategy that attracts businesses that will offer better paying jobs and benefits. The credit and loan-application process must be streamlined to reduce costs and serve as an incentive. I support expansion of the zone along with greater incentives to help spur the economic engine for the region.

Chase: I approve the expansion of the zone with financial support from the state for marketing the enterprise zone in providing tax and credit incentives to businesses.

Dib: Yes. Expand the zone, but let’s make it more efficient. Cut the red tape, and let’s put people to work.

Finn: Care should be taken that eminent domain not be used indiscriminately to the detriment of the community. Also, the quality of jobs being created must be carefully considered.

Hall: I favor increasing city involvement in planning, acquiring and retaining business throughout Los Angeles. City leaders must work on a daily basis with the business community, as well as coordinate the step-by-step process of securing new business and jobs for Los Angeles. I oppose expansion of the current enterprise zone until the present one is functioning properly.

Magana: We need to expand tax benefits to include the federal government. The total benefits package needs to be marketed to the business community within and outside the state. I also believe that the city’s Community Development Department is not the best to run the enterprise zone program.

Villafana: Yes. The enterprise zone provides incentives for businesses to locate in areas needing economic development. The zone needs to be properly promoted. I would provide workshops for entrepreneurs interested in starting businesses within the zone.

Latino Representation

Q. The population of the 7th District is overwhelmingly Latino. How important do you think it is that the district’s new City Council representative be Latino?

Alarcon: I am not asking the residents to vote for me because I am Latino but because I have the ability and experience to bring vital services to the northeast Valley. I am proud of my record of working with all groups to solve community problems. I am also pleased with the support I have received from community leaders and residents from all walks of life.

Chase: The representative should have a record of being responsive to the community and its makeup; ethnicity should play no part. This community must focus on selecting the best representative based on capability, not race.

Dib: It is unfortunate that some people believe that you must have the same ethnicity as your neighbors to represent them. I share the same values, hopes, experiences and aspirations as the overwhelming majority of my neighbors throughout the district.

Finn: In a democracy, the people express their wishes through the ballot, and I deeply respect that.

Hall: The only issue should be someone’s ability to represent every person in the 7th District, irrespective of race, origin, religion or age. Further, judge a candidate by his or her commitment to fighting hard for the needs of the district and the Valley. Of course, given the number of Latinos in the district, their particular problems and goals must--and will--be addressed.

Magana: I honestly believe that, unless an individual comes from any given community, it is very difficult to represent their needs, concerns and aspirations. Look at the makeup of the Los Angeles Unified School District student population and at the city of Los Angeles population and their corresponding problems. Representation from the Latino community is lacking.

Villafana: The people of the 7th District should cast their ballots for the candidate who best represents their concerns regardless of the candidate’s ethnicity.

General Motors

Q. Do you have any specific plan to open a facility that would create new jobs at the former General Motors plant in Panorama City?

Alarcon: One of my first actions as council member would be to form a community task force to develop specific plans for effective utilization of vacant and available parcels. The GM site would be a top priority with the biggest goal being the creation of jobs to local residents.

Chase: My plan is to seek new growth industries that will energize the local economy, especially since GM is in the enterprise zone. I would utilize the plant for the development of transportation or construction of electric cars.

Dib: I propose to make this area an enterprise zone. With such a strong labor base already established, it is a natural location. I will personally contact major businesses throughout the country to try and bring in new business and create employment.

Finn: The loss of high-paying manufacturing jobs has had a devastating effect on our city. I think we should take another look at the GM plant as a facility for the manufacture of clean-fuel buses. There is a huge domestic market for buses, so the job potential could be very significant.

Hall: I will work to reopen the GM plant as a production facility or job retraining center. Either way, I will see to it that 7th District and Valley working men and women get the chance to use this facility. We should consider building non-polluting, high-occupancy mass transit.

Magana: We need to use some of the $180 million available for transportation systems to work at this location. The General Motors plant could be used for electronic car or rail manufacturing.

Villafana: High-tech firms should be courted to the ex-GM plant. Use tax incentives to do this.