Wachs Announces Intent to Run for Mayor’s Post

City Councilman Joel Wachs on Wednesday became the third person to declare his intention to run for mayor in 2001.

A resident of Studio City, Wachs said he has a “proven and unequaled record of independent progressive leadership.”

Previously, City Atty. James Hahn of San Pedro and city Parks Commissioner Steven Soboroff of Pacific Palisades had also filed declarations of intention to run, which allows them to begin fund-raising.

Wachs may be the only major San Fernando Valley politician to compete for mayor, which could help his candidacy, according to Parke Skelton, a political consultant not working for any of the candidates.

“He probably will be the candidate most identified with the Valley,” Skelton said. “I think it helps that he’s from the Valley. The Valley represents 40% to 45% of the vote.”

Wachs placed third in the 1993 mayoral election.

“I am starting early, and I am giving it a 100% effort,” Wachs said of the campaign. “And I’m extremely optimistic because virtually every professional assessment indicates that I have an excellent chance of winning.”

An attorney, Wachs has served on the City Council for 28 years, where he has made a name for himself on issues of government efficiency.