Monday, 4/7/97
Taking a look at incumbent candidates in city offices
James Hahn was elected to the City Attorney seat in 1985. Since
then, he has been an effective prosecutor with a 75 percent
conviction rate for cases which go to trial. He has worked to keep
the City Attorney’s office fully staffed in order to conduct the
majority of legal work in-house. The result has meant a regulation
of operating costs.
To address a growing concern in today’s technology-driven
society, Hahn’s office recently worked to create a legal definition
of the multimedia industry. He touts the effort as a major success
because it aptly addresses the constantly-evolving nature of the
multimedia industry.
Los Angeles has seen a 25 percent drop in crime over the past
four years. While there are diverse reasons behind the drop, Hahn
should take some of the credit, as Mayor Riordan has done. He has
addressed gang and family violence issues through the expansion of
special units within the City Attorney’s office and has worked at
revitalizing neighborhoods.
And Hahn’s approach has been refreshingly creative. He has
looked for alternative sentencing in order to address the problem
of overcrowding that has been intensified by the "three-strikes"
law. His office has been known to sentence slumlords to live in
their tenements and sentence various minor offenders to city
cleanup and graffiti removal.
Hahn’s opponent, Ted Stein, has launched a recent ad campaign
which tags Hahn with responsibility for two 1993 deaths. Stein
claims that Hahn’s lack of vigor in prosecuting led to the
premature release of two murderers. While the premature release of
violent criminals must be examined in order to avoid further
tragedies, there is no indication that Hahn was remiss. The ad,
which has proven only moderately successful for Stein, is a
tasteless exploitation of two families’ misfortunes. Hahn remains
well out in front of his challenger in the polls, and for good
reason. With his service over the years, Hahn has earned
re-election.
Rick Tuttle should be re-elected for a fourth term as controller
because of his experience and effectiveness. Since taking office in
1985, Tuttle has built a solid reputation as a watchdog for city
funds. He has initiated programs which limit cost overruns of city
contracts and has voiced valid concerns about the proposed
construction of a downtown sports complex. He has kept a sharp eye
on city business and travel expenses, resulting in big savings for
Los Angeles and has fought successfully against the state when it
tried to sap the L.A. General Fund of $300 million.
Tuttle also has an impressive background in civil rights issues.
After having served as a civil rights social worker in Mississippi
and Georgia, he has continued his work as an equal-rights activist
here in Los Angeles. This recipient of the NAACP’s Equal Justice in
Government Award has been tough on L.A.’s exclusive business clubs
which discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, and race.
Other awards include a Distinguished Public Service Award from
the Anti-Defamation League and a Lifetime Membership Award from the
L.A. Business Council.
Although running unopposed in the 5th District, the pragmatic
Mike Feuer, representing the City District from the Westside up
into the San Fernando Valley, warrants an endorsement.
He emphasizes public safety, charter reform, and neighborhood
councils. He is an effective guardian against waste and
inefficiency. Feuer is a major proponent of neighborhood cleanup
and restoration, working successfully with others to revitalize
Southland communities such as Westwood, Sherman Oaks, and Studio
City.
Known as "Saint Mike" among his associates, Feuer has built a
reputation for being both active and visible in his District. His
accomplishments as a council member are commendable, and his
accessibility within the community is worthy of applause. Be sure
to punch the ballot for Mike Feuer.