Assessing Villaraigosa’s Victory in Mayoral Race

Re Steve Lopez’s column, “A Bridge to the Past and Future for L.A. Latinos,” May 19: Amid all the hoopla about Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa being L.A.’s first Latino mayor in more than 100 years, those of us in the Northeast L.A. communities are celebrating a much more important triumph: We finally have a mayor who knows and understands the unique issues that confront this forgotten part of the city.

Previous mayoral administrations have paid more attention to the Westside (richer), the San Fernando Valley (better organized) or South-Central (more media coverage). Residents of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, East Los Angeles and other Northeast L.A. communities are celebrating the election of the first mayor from our part of the city.

We finally have a mayor who will truly represent us and will keep our needs firmly in mind as he tries to balance the many demands of a geographically diverse, as well as ethnically diverse, Los Angeles.

Marla Conti

Los Angeles

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Although many are touting Villaraigosa’s “landslide” victory over Mayor James K. Hahn, the reality is that Los Angeles doesn’t really care. Hidden behind the statistics and percentages used to show the “breadth” of Villaraigosa’s support, based on the 2000 U.S. census, only about 10% of the city’s voting-age residents cast a ballot in favor of him.

So, yes, although there are important issues related to transportation, education, crime and ethics, beneath the surface lies an issue of a more insidious nature: residents’ apathy. So, let’s not talk about landslide victories unless the candidate is “none of the above.”

Lastly, if Villaraigosa, by virtue of getting the vote of about 260,000 city residents, is now a “force” within the Democratic Party nationally, woe to that party.

Dan Gersten

Agoura Hills

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What gives with Michael Ramirez (editorial cartoon, May 19), who refuses to join in the clean fun of celebrating Villaraigosa’s landslide win? Why does Ramirez’s view of life seem so blurred and shadowy? Does he think it’s raining when the sun is out? Does he view Santa Claus with suspicion as a liberal?

May I offer him a suggestion? Pay a visit to the Snow White grotto at Disneyland, bite into a hazelnut torte and take a deep breath of fresh air.

The Rev. Canon

Malcolm Boyd

Episcopal Cathedral

Center of St. Paul

Los Angeles

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Re “A Bigger, Bolder Mayor,” editorial, May 18: Villaraigosa won the rematch because of his tenacity and deep desire to come back after facing defeat four years ago.

“Never give in to defeat. Stand tall, face your defeat, but never feel defeated” is what I instill in my English learners at Bell Gardens High School.

Villaraigosa never gave in to adversity or to defeat. He stood steadfast in what he wanted to accomplish. More important, he believed in himself and in the citizens he wanted to represent. He united voters of all colors and won. That indeed makes for a great leader.

Raul Martinez

La Habra