October 04, 2012

By Jennifer Bihm

Assistant Editor

and Brian W. Carter

Staff Writer

 

State Senator Curren Price is vying for Los Angeles City Council’s 9th District seat, he announced recently, citing a flurry of support from local businesses, community and clergy members as his motivation. Price is joining an array of candidates in the race to fill the seat, which will be vacated by termed-out council member and mayoral hopeful, Jan Perry, in 2013. Price said he sees the job in the 9th as an opportunity to “really make a change.”

“I recognize the ability to deal with issues, deal with problems at the local level—where the rubber meets the road,” he said.

Currently presiding over the 26th senate district, Price would still be representing a large percentage of his constituents as councilmember.

 “The 26th Senate District is vast and diverse including the areas around USC, LA Live and parts even further east,” said Price.

“I think that I have the background training to bring problem-solving to a new level and really make a difference—an impact to people in this area.”

Price said he is adopting the phrase, the “New 9th,” to describe the new energy, commitment and enthusiasm he expects to bring as councilmember. Some of the areas he will focus on are: jobs, housing, civic engagement and new initiatives.

“I want to be an advocate to make sure the city is getting it’s fair share of public works,” said Price.

“Making sure streets are swept, alleys are clean, working with neighborhood councils, block clubs—bringing private sectors and non-­private sectors together in a ­collaborative way is where we have to proceed.”

Also high on his agenda is education, and Price has plans to work closely with elementary schools, encouraging more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math­ema­tics) programs and increasing learning centers throughout the district.

“The New 9th is ripe for innovation,” said Price. “I want to advance programs that have great applicability, not just in the district, but city wide.

“One area that I will pursue will be the use of social impact bonds to solve some of our most pressing social needs such as affordable housing, health and human services delivery and reducing recidivism in the criminal justice system. This innovative financing tool will allow for private sector investment to resolve some of the most intractable problems in our community. The private sector would like to invest in improving outcomes in our community and the ideal method is the use of social impact bonds. Social impact bonds allow for non-profit service providers to receive much needed funding from the private sector in order to continue to improve the quality of life for residents.”

In announcing his endorsement of Price, Council President Herb Wesson said, “Sen. Price is the best candidate for the job.  He has served the city of L.A. and the community well over the years, and his history has demonstrated that.” Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has echoed those same sentiments.  And according to the Senator, he is also endorsed by Congress­woman Karen Bass.

Category: News