Hahn and Hertzberg File Papers for Mayoral Contest

Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn filed papers Monday to run for reelection, joining more than two dozen candidates for city and school board seats as the filing period opened for those seeking office in the March 2005 election.

Hahn and challenger Bob Hertzberg, who also filed a declaration of intent to run for mayor, signed papers to accept public matching funds of up to $667,000 in return for agreeing to limit spending in the March 8 election to $2,251,000.

Candidates have until Saturday to file a declaration of intent to run for office. Each candidate must then file a nominating petition by Dec. 8 to get on the ballot.

Hertzberg said he wanted to be among the first candidates to file as a challenger to Hahn because doing so was consistent with his campaign theme to make Los Angeles the No. 1 city for safety and economic vitality.

“The centerpiece of my campaign is making Los Angeles first again in public safety, in economic development, in education and in relieving traffic congestion,” Hertzberg told reporters at the city clerk’s office after he filed his papers Monday morning.

He accused Hahn of bringing a “malaise” to City Hall. “It’s a place where the mayor has made a whole list of promises to bring 1,000 police officers and we have a handful,” Hertzberg said.

When Hahn appeared at the clerk’s office in the afternoon, he told reporters that there were several good reasons for Los Angeles voters to elect him to another four-year term, including improvements to the economy and tourism.

Hahn also noted that crime was down, including a 20% drop in homicides.

“We see more people coming back to Los Angeles, and the reason they are coming back is they know this is a safer city,” Hahn said. “We have worked really hard to make this a safer city.”

Addie Miller, Walter Moore and Mitchell Jackson also filed papers Monday to run for mayor, and State Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sun Valley) and City Councilmen Bernard C. Parks and Antonio Villaraigosa are expected to file papers later this week to challenge Hahn.

Hahn and Hertzberg exchanged comments indirectly through the press Monday, but the mayor said he has still not decided whether to participate in a televised mayoral debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles on Dec. 2.

By accepting public matching funds, Hahn is required to participate in one debate before the March election and two for the May 17 runoff election. But he said he will decide which forum to attend based on his schedule and how effective a debate would be in reaching voters.”I want to look at what’s the most effective way to communicate with voters,” Hahn said.

The March 8 ballot will also include contests for city attorney, city controller and the eight City Council seats with odd numbered districts.

The ballot also includes the 2nd, 4th and 6th district seats on the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education and the 2nd, 4th and 6th district seats on the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees.

Others who filed papers Monday include City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo and Council members Jan Perry and Jack Weiss. Gregory Martayan filed to run against Weiss, and Sylvia Lynn Hawkins filed to run against Perry.

In the 11th Council District, where incumbent Cindy Miscikowski is prevented from running for reelection by term limits, university professor/journalist Bill Rosendahl and activist Flora Gil Krisiloff filed declarations Monday to run for the seat.

In the 1st Council District, incumbent Ed Reyes filed for reelection, and papers were also filed by challengers Jesus Rosas, William Morrison, Ernest Sanchez, Carlos Cetina and Edward Rivera.