Field for City Council Seat Expands to Six

Former San Fernando Mayor Raul Godinez II, teacher Connie Rodriguez and youth services director Tony Lopez on Thursday became the latest candidates to file papers to run for the 7th District seat on the Los Angeles City Council, increasing to six the number of contestants who have turned in declarations to the city clerk.

Godinez, who indicated two weeks ago he planned to run and moved back into his parents’ home within Los Angeles city limits to establish residency, said his five years of experience on the San Fernando City Council makes him the best qualified for the job.

“In this era of term limits there is no time to learn,” he said. “You must be able to hit City Hall running.”

Godinez said public safety is a top priority in the northeast Valley district, but he said he’ll also emphasize basic services if elected.

He joins other candidates who on Wednesday filed declarations of intent to run in the 7th District: government relations director Ollie McCaulley, Mission College executive Barbara Perkins and health services agency director Corinne Sanchez.

Meanwhile, legislative aide Alex Padilla said Thursday he has received the endorsement of Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante in the race and plans to file his declaration with the city clerk Friday.

Also Thursday, 2nd District Councilman Joel Wachs filed papers to run for reelection. Three challengers filed papers for the 2nd District race on Wednesday.