Elections are about building winning coalitions. I know because as the former speaker of the California House, I needed to build coalitions to win my campaigns. And no one is doing that better than Eric Garcetti, who is currently facing Wendy Greuel in a run-off for mayor of Los Angeles.
Since coming in first place in the primary election with 33 percent of the vote, the Garcetti coalition continues to grow. It's growing because people are responding to Garcetti's leadership. I'm proud to join this coalition and endorse Garcetti because he is a leader who does things right.
Now, Garcetti has won the endorsement of several other key Hispanic leaders including Senator Kevin De León and State Senator Ricardo Lara. We are joining Latinos for Eric Garcetti; more importantly, we are joining a coalition that is determined to "transform Los Angeles."
De León represents Senate District 22, that includes the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Boyle Heights, Highland Park, Echo Park, Silver Lake and Downtown Los Angeles. He is the author of one of the nation's toughest ammunition regulations and was co-chair of the recently passed Proposition 39 -- one of the state's most critical job creation measures. Lara, Chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus, represents Senate District 33, which includes parts of South Los Angeles.
These three endorsements show the momentum is continuing to move toward Garcetti. As he said in accepting the endorsements, "I'm honored to start my runoff campaign with three influential endorsements from State Senator Kevin de León, State Senator Ricardo Lara and former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. With their impressive policy accomplishments, these three legislative leaders will be powerful voices in this election and will help me build support in neighborhoods throughout our city."
De León said, "Garcetti is the right choice because of his proven record of leading the city in job growth, reducing crime and improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods we share... he is the best candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles."
Lara said his endorsement reflects his belief that "as Mayor, Eric will be the best advocate for LA residents in Sacramento, pushing for more funding for LA schools and fighting to end the cap on film credits to stop runaway production and prevent jobs from leaving the state. I urge all LA voters to join me in voting for Garcetti for mayor."
For me, it comes down to one word: leadership. His plan to create 20,000 new green jobs in solar installation and manufacturing, water conservation and energy efficiency is another bold example of why he is the best choice to both improve Los Angeles' economy and clean our environment.
We are ready to "transform Los Angeles" by electing a man with a plan for the city. Now is the time... Garcetti is the choice.