For city attorney, this editorial board endorses Michael Amerian, the only candidate who currently serves as a gang prosecutor for the city of Los Angeles.
While Jack Weiss, Los Angeles city councilman and former federal prosecutor, has raised the largest amount of funds, he has not proved as accessible to UCLA students.
This board thinks that Weiss ignores the UCLA community and Westwood. As students, we perceive him to disregard us as temporary voters who may not participate in city elections. We ask him to note that we are, in fact, residents of his district.
Weiss has also been criticized for favoring broader Los Angeles issues, rather than focusing on those of his district, which includes the UCLA community and Westwood.
Weiss introduced a motion to legalize apron parking in Westwood in 2007, but failed to follow through with the controversial plan. UCLA students deserve a city councilman who will represent their interests and is not only focused on building a political career.
His visit to Westwood this past weekend only served as an empty gesture meant to appease angry and neglected voters; however, this board does not feel his efforts to reach out to the community are genuine.
Michael Amerian has proved accessible to students by utilizing social networking Web sites such as Facebook to publicize his platforms to a younger demographic.
He also won the endorsement of outgoing City Controller Laura Chick.
Amerian plans to reduce gang violence by reducing the incentives for joining gangs through injunctions, interventions and job training.
His platform includes a zero tolerance policy regarding domestic violence and plans to increase outreach to communities in which domestic abuse is prevalent.
Amerian recognizes that crime rates are increasing in the midst of an economic crisis, and plans to increase dialogue between prosecutors and communities to reduce these numbers.
According to his Web site, Amerian also plans to prosecute fraudulent business practices with a three-pronged plan that includes “educating the public through aggressive community outreach programs,” “prosecuting fraudulent practices in all industries,” and “supporting tough new legislation to make sure that the law protects consumers.”
Based on his accessibility and the detailed platform laid out on his Web site, this board is confident in Amerian’s ability to succeed as city attorney.
Weiss should note that being inaccessible doesn’t garner support.