Times Endorsements

The Times endorses selectively, on a case-by-case basis. Here are Times recommendations in Los Angeles’ primary elections Tuesday.

Mayor

City Atty. James K. Hahn or former Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa. These two able and broadly appealing candidates stand out, even in a strong field. They would make for an invigorating runoff debate about the city’s future. They both have weaknesses, but they share a broad and optimistic vision of what Los Angeles can become.

Other Citywide Races

City Attorney: Mike Feuer. A City Council member since 1995 and former director of a public interest law firm, Feuer would bring to the city attorney’s office a record of problem-solving, solid leadership and management experience, as well as creative ideas to improve the quality of urban life.

Controller: Laura Chick. Like Feuer, Chick is an effective City Council member facing term limits. She would bring a strong focus on public interest to the controller’s office, assessing city agencies’ performance as well as their budgets.

Congress

32nd District: Diane Watson. This veteran former state lawmaker is the best choice in a field hard-pressed to measure up to the late Rep. Julian Dixon, who long and ably represented this Mid-City-to-Westside district. Her chief competitor, state Sen. Kevin Murray, carries too many questions about his political and personal judgment to be effective in Washington.

Council Races

District 1: Ed Reyes. His city planning experience and political smarts are what this beleaguered Eastside district needs after a tough few years under council member Mike Hernandez, Reyes’ old boss.

District 3: Judith Hirshberg. Among six candidates vying to represent the southwest San Fernando Valley, Hirshberg stands out for the depth of her experience in the Valley and the breadth of her vision for Los Angeles.

District 5: Jack Weiss. This Westside/Valley district is a demanding one to represent. Eleven candidates are in the race, including Tom Hayden, a termed-out state senator and an admirable political professional. Weiss offers a stronger local commitment and the promise of a more evenly matched runoff.

District 7: Alex Padilla. He has spent his first two years on the City Council focusing hard on bread-and-butter constituent issues in the eastern San Fernando Valley and deserves reelection.

District 9: Jan Perry. In a district that swoops from troubled parts of South Los Angeles to the high-rises of downtown, Perry is the candidate best able to spread economic revitalization to the entire district. She also has creative ideas for greening neighborhoods and reusing vacant buildings.

District 11: Cindy Miscikowski. A capable incumbent who has represented her Westside/West Valley district well while keeping the whole city in mind. Miscikowski is likely to emerge as one of the new City Council’s leaders.

District 13: Michael Woo. A veteran who left the City Council before term limits, Woo ran in 1993 for mayor against Richard Riordan. In this Hollywood-to-Mt. Washington district, being contested by several good candidates, Woo is the best choice for his experience and political maturity.

District 15: Janice Hahn. Her experience, especially on the elected charter commission and in community affairs, gives Hahn the edge over a likable newcomer, Hector Cepeda, in this Harbor/Watts/San Pedro district.

Los Angeles Unified School District

2nd District: Jose Huizar. An environmental lawyer with very wide support and solid ideas.

4th District: Marlene Canter. Her education experience and independence from the political forces buffeting the district make Canter an easy choice.

6th District: Tom Riley. Running with the support of Mayor Richard Riordan, Riley represents a needed change in this district.

Community College Board

Office No. 2: Dan Rosales Jr. Himself a local community college graduate, Rosales has strong ties to the community college system and good ideas for improving it.

Office No. 4: Kelly Candaele. Incumbent Candaele has a track record of hiring capable college presidents and bringing accountability to the system.

Office No. 6: Samuel J. “Joey” Hill. A politically experienced state legislative aide, Hill would bring useful Sacramento ties to the board.

Bond Issue

Proposition A: YES. This $1.2-billion capital bond measure would pay for needed repairs and expansions for Los Angeles community colleges.

City Charter Changes

Amendment 1: YES. Though very limited, this measure would remove some restrictions on police discipline.

Amendment 2: YES. Would restructure police and fire pension payouts to encourage veteran officers to stay on beyond 25 years.

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The full text of endorsements is available at www.latimes.com/endorsements.