Seeking My First Endorsement For The Los Angeles City Council 12th District.
A number of us running for officer met with the Kennedy Democrats: Advocates for people living with disability and the Labor Right. Patrick Gomez, candidate for LA County Sheriff, was the first speaker and brought up a point I had made previously, that Sheriffs get basic training in County jail. In jail, they are introduced to criminal behavior exhibited by jail inmates and are taught approved response methods. An audience member suggested that such training is not appropriate for mental health inmates and that more training is needed.
I spoke next and raised my case about the broken sidewalks, mentioning that fixing the sidewalks will create jobs and cut the costs of lawsuits and medical treatment currently shouldered by all levels of government and the insurance companies. My counterpart asked if I would approve a city ordinance that would levy a higher tax on property sales to cover the costs. My reply was that I would prefer a referendum and an honest discussion that would allow the people to decide how repairs should be funded. In the meantime, technology is available that can at least make the sidewalks safer and more navigable by grading down raised edges and patching them to smooth out the surface until more permanent repairs can be effected. I mentioned as well that I will work with state, county, and city governments to make a list of trees that will be proscribed from being planted within a certain distance of sidewalks, driveways, walkways, and other areas intended for pedestrian traffic.
I went on to talk about the issues surrounding accessible and affordable housing that we must face sooner or later. I was not able to elaborate on this, but if accessible housing is to be made available, there needs to be changes in the city housing planning and architectural codes. An example is the front step - a barrier that keeps many with disability from navigating comfortably into or out of their own homes.
Joan Pelaco, a contender for the position for which I am running, began by listing her credentials and then mentioned the sidewalk issue. I was pleased to hear that she, too, is concerned about the sidewalk problems and that she is well aware of the lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles. I asked if she would support giving more power to the Commission on Disabilities and the Department on Disability, and what she would do to increase awareness of and participation in the commission. I feel that I am the only one that brings up the lack of accessibility in the city. She did not answer my question, however I believe it is because she was unable to understand me.
State Senator The Honorable Bob Hetzberg made an election campaign speech. He led off with the sidewalk issues but moved on to his own position, which is passing legislation that would prevent California from being run by special interest groups. I inquired if the state should pass a law requiring every city and county to establish a government body to address matters of disability, advise on city policies that would enhance accessibility and empower people to participate in the political process. His response was that there was no need for such a body because laws are already in place addressing these matters. I responded that the problem is that the laws allow the able-bodied to make decisions and pass ordinances without input from the people these laws and ordinances will directly impact. His response was simple "I understand" and then he moved on to the next topic.
I spoke next and raised my case about the broken sidewalks, mentioning that fixing the sidewalks will create jobs and cut the costs of lawsuits and medical treatment currently shouldered by all levels of government and the insurance companies. My counterpart asked if I would approve a city ordinance that would levy a higher tax on property sales to cover the costs. My reply was that I would prefer a referendum and an honest discussion that would allow the people to decide how repairs should be funded. In the meantime, technology is available that can at least make the sidewalks safer and more navigable by grading down raised edges and patching them to smooth out the surface until more permanent repairs can be effected. I mentioned as well that I will work with state, county, and city governments to make a list of trees that will be proscribed from being planted within a certain distance of sidewalks, driveways, walkways, and other areas intended for pedestrian traffic.
I went on to talk about the issues surrounding accessible and affordable housing that we must face sooner or later. I was not able to elaborate on this, but if accessible housing is to be made available, there needs to be changes in the city housing planning and architectural codes. An example is the front step - a barrier that keeps many with disability from navigating comfortably into or out of their own homes.
Joan Pelaco, a contender for the position for which I am running, began by listing her credentials and then mentioned the sidewalk issue. I was pleased to hear that she, too, is concerned about the sidewalk problems and that she is well aware of the lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles. I asked if she would support giving more power to the Commission on Disabilities and the Department on Disability, and what she would do to increase awareness of and participation in the commission. I feel that I am the only one that brings up the lack of accessibility in the city. She did not answer my question, however I believe it is because she was unable to understand me.
State Senator The Honorable Bob Hetzberg made an election campaign speech. He led off with the sidewalk issues but moved on to his own position, which is passing legislation that would prevent California from being run by special interest groups. I inquired if the state should pass a law requiring every city and county to establish a government body to address matters of disability, advise on city policies that would enhance accessibility and empower people to participate in the political process. His response was that there was no need for such a body because laws are already in place addressing these matters. I responded that the problem is that the laws allow the able-bodied to make decisions and pass ordinances without input from the people these laws and ordinances will directly impact. His response was simple "I understand" and then he moved on to the next topic.