On November 8, 2022, voters will choose who will replace Garcetti. A gigantic task awaits the winner. The city of Los Angeles must see the construction of thousands of homes to mitigate the daily commute of workers and crowded freeways
It must overcome the wave of homeless on the streets. Solve passenger transport problems once and for all. Attract investments and businesses with advanced technology and consideration for the environment. Control the quality of the water. Improve your primary education system. Cope with the increase in crime. And promote the development of communities of color – African Americans, Latinos, Asians – to reach a harmonious society and coexistence for the good of all.
Yes, there is a long time to make a decision . But it is important that from now on we establish some parameters of what we would like our candidate to be.
Within the metropolitan area called Los Angeles-Long Beach, the second most populous in the country, lives the population largest Latina in the country, 5.8 million. They have made their home here from ancient times to more recent times. As immigrants, they have integrated and absorbed in this region. Los Angeles is more Hispanic than anything else.
And although in recent decades, the situation of the Latino community and its social absorption has gradually improved, this process was stopped and reversed during the year of the pandemic.
Our community has suffered the effects of COVID on its health and a disproportionate number of sick and dead, both because they are the majority of essential workers. They experienced a higher rate of layoffs, local business closings, and more.
In lifting Latinos out of this crisis, the work of community organizations that accompany our people all the stretch is invaluable. But it is not enough.
In the coming years, the coordinated, continuous and intense support of the authorities and their collaboration with the community is essential.
We nominate a Latino or Latina as leader of the reconstruction, heading the municipality of Los Angeles.
We refer to public servants in every sense of the word. To those who have made it their life’s mission. That are accessible to public opinion. That they are elected officials, tireless and fighters.
We refer to people like – it is necessary to name them to get a better idea – Supervisor Hilda Solís, or Councilor Kevin de León, or Senator state and veteran union leader María Elena Durazo, or Councilor Gil Cedillo. They, and others, are part of a brood of outstanding, meritorious and recognized leaders.
With a proven track record of experience and achievement; with the trust of the community, for their decades of work.
They are thinkers with common sense, who benefit more those who have less.