Alarcon’s Political Ambitions Run Deep

It seemed that from way back Richard Alarcon was preparing for a long, successful career as a politician.

He graduated from Cal State Northridge in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Alarcon took a job as a teacher, so he understands the educational system in the city. He worked for the city, writing exams for police officers seeking promotion, so he knows something about law enforcement.

Alarcon then got an education in the inner workings of City Hall when he took a job as a top aide to Mayor Tom Bradley in the San Fernando Valley.

When longtime City Councilman Ernani Bernardi decided to retire in 1993, Alarcon jumped at the chance to take over the post to represent the mostly working-class communities in the northeast Valley.

With the help of a strong volunteer force, Alarcon beat out former city Fire Capt. Lyle Hall to become the first Latino councilman from the Valley. Last year, he won reelection unopposed. He officially begins his second term today.

Unlike Bernardi, who viewed most government programs with suspicion, Alarcon has moved quickly to support several community improvement programs for the most depressed parts of his district.

Although he still has four years to go on the council, Alarcon is already talking about running for Congress or state Senate in the next few years.

There have even been suggestions that his background will make him a strong candidate for mayor someday.

Time will tell.