Morning Brief on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

Will SEIU 721 do what the former SEIU 347 never did, by supporting the next incarnation of the Mayor Antonio Villar Political Machine?

"Opportunistcrat" Mayoral Candidate City Controller Wendy "The Villar Greuel", a former republican, is the likely choice of endorsement for SEIU 721. 

For the love of the brothers and sisters LA city employees in SEIU bargaining units, its time to bring back the little union that could, Local 347.

Thanks to Andy Stern, the little local that stood strong against Tony Villar in 2001 and again in 2005 (in a loss cause), has now become just another "super local", with the number 721, that is ready to sell out its progressive soul. 

This evening, mayoral candidates City Councilman Eric Garcetti and City Controller Wendy "The Villar Greuel", have been summons to meet with union leaders and membership for another round of questions, as speculation is rampant that the Villar Greuel may get the coveted (for democratic candidates) endorsement, of one of the cities biggest bargaining units.

To the likes of Bob Schnoover, Julie Butcher, David Sanders and other old friends from the 347 era, it is my sincere hope that once again, the spirit of the 347 era is resurrected and the endorsement is given to anyone but the third term incarnation of Mayor Villar's Political Machine, the Villar Greuel.

The Villar Greuel, like her namesake, is a panderer that will say what you want to hear at this moment (no layoffs). The Villar Greuel may have even promise you a close shop rose garden, but like Tony, she has many faces which include a young republican one, before becoming a supposed friendly worker face.

But then it would befitting SEIU 721 to support the Villar Greuel, since it has now become the sorry facade of what once was the fighting face of a proud local that could stand up to an undemocratic political machine.

** As the members of SEIU 721 gather this evening, another former high-ranking brother is looking at some time, a looooong time behind bars. Tyrone Freeman, the once General Manager of SEIU 6434, is going away for looting the union coffers for his personal pleasure. In reviewing the Los Angeles Times story, I could not find one mention of a certain close political friend of Freeman. Maybe that friend, LA County Board of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas will find some spare change (or discretionary funding) for a care package as a token of appreciation for Freeman's past "scheme of support"?

** Meanwhile on the mayoral debate front, the "the three foxes with one kit (Emanuel Pleitez)" and the outsider candidate Kevin James, faced off in a televise forum from UCLA. Being that city finances was the central theme of this debate, the opportunities were many for James to attack while the foxes played defense.

** The LA Weekly Gene Maddaus reports that the Villar Greuel Fox is ready to hit T.V. with an ad buy to hopefully help her trouble campaign. Meanwhile, the IE in support of Kevin James, has paired down its first video, into a thirty second, ready for T.V. version.

Remember to Outwit the Foxes on Election Day.

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14