Candidates Riordan, Woo

In response to “Candidates Turn Their Attention Toward Latino Voters,” May 20:

While it is no surprise that the mayoral candidates are looking to the Latino community for votes and endorsements, it is surprising The Times would simplify our community’s involvement in terms of Supervisor Gloria Molina’s candidate and Councilman Richard Alatorre’s candidate, and the typical story about a breach in Latino community politics.

Richard Riordan’s opposition of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund’s efforts to create a Latino supervisorial seat certainly illuminates his position on Latino causes and the challenges communities of color face in gaining political representation. However, Supervisor Molina is not alone in questioning Riordan’s commitment to minority causes outside of a campaign season! U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal, Assemblywoman Hilda Solis and myself joined the ranks of state Sen. Art Torres and Assemblyman Richard Polanco in endorsing Mike Woo because Richard Riordan does not pass the credibility test.

A conservative during the primary, a multicultural liberal in the general election--campaign consultant Clint Reilly has done his job in repackaging Riordan.

Mike Woo will reach out to all communities in Los Angeles, not just those that matter before June 8. That’s why we are united behind Mike Woo for mayor.

MIKE HERNANDEZ

City Council, First District