Jamie Cordaro for City Council

In one of the few contested City Council races this spring, Councilman Tony Cardenas is being challenged by not one but three Neighborhood Council members for his 6th District seat.

Cardenas was an effective legislator during his time in the State Assembly but may of his constituents feel he is "out of touch" with his district and is often slow to provide constituent services.

There apparently seems to be some anti-Cardenas sentiment on the third floor. I was contacted by at least one Villaraigosa operative who is privately supporting Corardo. More could be coming.

Jamie Cordaro previously faced Cardenas when both of them ran against Wendy Greuel to replace the resigned Joel Wachs in 2002. Cordaro had a respectable showing for a grass roots candidate who did not have big money - he gained about 10% of the vote forcing Cardenas and Greuel into a runoff. Cordaro's later endorsement of Greuel was one of the things that provided the margin of victory for the now entrenched 2nd District incumbent. The 6th District was later moved to the San Fernando Valley carving out a seat for Cardenas.

This old, dead Republican mayor supports Cordaro for a number of reasons. First off, he's amassed an impressive and lengthy record of community and civic service. Secondly he's an accomplished businessman who has built one of the largest electrical contracting firms in Southern California. His success in business has led him to be recognized as an industry expert, he serves as president of his professional organization and serves the California state Contractors License Board. Most notably has been his track record of leadership with the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council. Long known as one of the "basket cases" of NCs, Cordaro was one of the chief architects of the Council's rebirth, where he currenly serves as President.

Cordaro has proposed an impressive and progressive agenda as a Councilman, offering many creative ways of addressing the community needs.

There are two other candidates running against Cardenas: Lisa Martellaro-Palmer and Candido Marez. Both are respectable community activists who also serve on the VNNC but Cordaro is cleary head and shoulders above the pack in experience, drive and talent. I urge 6th District voters to support Jamie Cordaro for City Council.