Blogger Confluence at Candidate's Debate

A most momentous and triumphant occasion occurred Thursday evening when a major portion of the Mayor Sam team were under the same roof at one time.

(Photo - Zuma Dogg, Walter Moore and Mayor Sam taken by Van Nuys Neighborhood Council member Cliff Jacobs on Walter Moore's cell phone. We'll have another photo from Cliff in a day or two.)

Mayor Sam, Zuma Dogg, Walter Moore and Jim Alger all attended the 6th Council District Candidates' Forum in Van Nuys. Walter was one of the panelists chosen to question the candidates.

Sadly, 6th District Councilman Tony Cardenas was not in attendance but debate moderator David Hernandez read a letter from Cardenas explaining that he felt he had not been given sufficient notice to be able to attend.

In attendance were candidates Jamie Cordaro, Candido Mares and Eric Rothenay. Each presented their views on a number of community issues and in most cases were in agreement on the matters. All felt that the incumbent Cardenas has failed as Councilman and has shown a lack of leadership. They pointed to rising crime and blight in the District and a lack of accessible government services. Each of the candidates called for major programs to revitalize Van Nuys Boulevard, the main thoroughfare of the District.

Following a question from Walter Moore, each candidate voiced their support to repeal Special Order 40 an LAPD e mandate that prevents police from inquiring about the immigration status of arrestees. Rothenay called for the adoption of a "Scared Straight" program to divert young people from a life of crime. Cordaro stressed the importance of education as a deterrent to crime and has made vocational education opportunities a priority.

Each of the candidates supported breaking up the Los Angeles Unified School District but Mares took it a step further stating he would support Valley Secession, a position he had previously opposed.

Probably the most ridiculous moment of the debate was when a question about what the City could do about childhood obesity came up. Thankfully, each of the candidates were clear this is a problem whose solution lies with parents, not the government. However the discussion did not move on until the serving of tater tots in LAUDS cafeterias could be analyzed.

Walter Moore post on same event - click here.