Griego for the 14th District

Los Angeles’ 14th City Council District runoff election has two good candidates, but Victor Griego is the better choice. He has an impressive record of community involvement, voter registration work and helping elect other worthy politicians. He is a part-time teacher and founder and owner of a Highland Park public affairs consulting firm.

Griego’s plans for the 14th District are detailed and well thought out. Industrial-economic development? “We have contaminated sites that no one wants to develop. We have to find federal dollars to clean and then revitalize these properties and encourage businesses to locate in the 14th.” Transportation? “Too much focus is on the long-line bus routes that just run through our district. We need shuttle buses and shorter lines that will help people get to the doctor, to the stores, to work.” Housing? “We need quality housing design standards and we need transit- oriented housing districts; put the housing in the areas where people naturally travel to and from work, a mix of housing and retail. It cuts down on traffic and it’s more efficient.”

Griego has the backing of some of the top Democratic leaders in the state, along with most of the local political leadership endorsements. He has strong union support and the backing of most of the failed candidates in the primary election.

His opponent is county prosecutor Nick Pacheco, whose No. 1 priority is fighting crime. Pacheco in truth sounds more like a man running for Los Angeles County district attorney. That post would benefit from some able electoral competition, but it’s not the one at issue here. Pacheco would need a broader view to be effective on the City Council.

Griego was born and raised in the 14th’s Boyle Heights neighborhood. But his weak spot in this campaign is that he moved from South Pasadena into his brother’s 14th District home in order to run. He might continue to face criticism over this, but his personal strengths and civic background speak volumes about his readiness for the council seat. On June 8th, Griego deserves your vote.