The Daily Bruin Editorial Board, which represents the voice of the entire newspaper, has endorsed a candidate for each race – the candidate we think has UCLA and Los Angeles’ best interests at heart, a strong vision for the city, and the capability to effect real change.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles voters will cast ballots in two important electoral races: mayor and city council. There are eight candidates running for mayor, and if no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the Tuesday primary, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff on May 21. There are two candidates running for the Los Angeles City Council seat for the 5th District, which includes Westwood.
The board conducted interviews that lasted around 20 minutes with the five leading mayoral candidates: City Councilman Eric Garcetti, City Controller Wendy Greuel, attorney and radio talk show host Kevin James, City Councilwoman Jan Perry and former technology executive Emanuel Pleitez. Candidates were asked how they would partner with UCLA in its capacity as a major public institution in the city if elected. Candidates also answered questions on their policies on transportation, job creation, community revitalization and K-12 education. Because of candidate availability, the board interviewed Perry and Pleitez in person and conducted the other interviews over the phone.
The board also conducted interviews that lasted around 20 minutes with Paul Koretz and Mark Herd, the two candidates running to represent the 5th District. Candidates were asked how they would partner with UCLA, and to discuss their plans for business retention, Westwood revitalization, and policies on dancing permits and alcohol licensing. Because of candidate availability, the board interviewed Herd in person and interviewed Koretz over the phone.
After all these interviews had been conducted, the board voted on which candidates to endorse. The unsigned endorsements reflect the majority opinion of the board. We encourage students to use our endorsements as a starting point for conducting their own research, forming their own educated opinions and casting an informed vote.
Read our assessment of each candidate:
Mayoral candidates
City council candidates