For Leimert Park, and one-third of Los Angeles County,
Mark Ridley-Thomas vs.
Bernard Parks, is
just as important as Barack and Hillary.
Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke has been a supervisor for nearly 16 years - once you're in you're in for life. I'd like to list her accomplishments but her
official biography only lists the tax-payer funded elected offices she's held since 1972.
County supervisor is a tremendously powerful position in part because it is one of three people that oversee and control the money -
$22.5 billion - for America's largest county. The second district spans from Carson to Mid-Wilshire and Mar Vista to Hawthorne, home for more than 2.5 million residents.
While we can debate the merits of both candidates - and we will - I want to encourage everybody to send
Parks and
Ridley-Thomas an email. The primary takes place June 3, but our "lobbying" needs to start NOW. You can write more than once.
Ask for some specific things for our neighborhood. Think small - but a little bit outside your own backyard. Think BIG but not countywide. In any event ask. Send them
both a letter and save the responses. Personal letters are a big deal, so include a story about why this is important and who you are.
Get promises
now from both candidates.
Likley what one neighbor wants, another will too. But we all have to ask.
After writing and getting a response, think about a small donation to the candiate of your choice - even $5. In the end, your name - not the amount of your donation - gets you onto a mailing list and identifies you in their minds as a contribrutor.
Then your opinion matters a little bit more. And maybe our concerns are heard a little bit more.
So who are you going to support -
current Councilman and former police chief Bernard Parks or
Assemblyman and former Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas - and why? Post your thoughts.
I'm going to write a letter, which I will post. And then I will share the responses.
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