Cover Stories A United City Council: L.A. Watts Times/Sentinel Slated Endorsements
By: Watts News Service
City Council elections are rapidly approaching and primary nominating elections are set for Tuesday, March 3. In Los Angeles, a conglomerate of offices is up for grabs for city council. Following are some of the candidates that the L.A. Watts Times is endorsing for the 2015 city council elections.
The L.A. Watts Times would like to announce the endorsements of Councilmember and President of the Los Angeles City Council Herb Wesson, Jr., Los Angeles Board of Education member George McKenna, Holly Mitchell’s District Director Sydney Kamlager and President of Community Coalition Marqueece Dawson.
Councilmember Herb Wesson- (Democrat re-election for City Council President and District 10)
Councilmember Herb Wesson has phenomenally executed his job in as city council president by setting the bar for the completion of many major changes throughout the city. Wesson has fought for the protection of city workers, made groundbreaking legislation on educational and healthcare needs. He continues to support the African American community through his hard work and tenacity. Wesson has spearheaded initiatives to bring healthier food options to South L.A. residents, affordable housing projects and redevelopment of many districts in need. For that reason, we, The L.A. Watts Times, endorse Wesson because we believe he has earned the rights to another 4 years in office.
Marqueece Dawson- (Democrat Candidate for District 8)
Marqueece Dawson has shown leadership experience as the head of Community Coalition and grassroots organizations for years. Serving as the President and CEO of Community Coalition since 2004, he has been a friend of labor by influencing financial support for the community. Dawson has worked with law enforcement agencies, city leaders and local residents to tackle issues that affect South LA. We believe his firm support from current City Council President Herb Wesson and Councilmember Curren Price will bring unification two the district’s movement of change. While candidate Bobbie Anderson is a very qualified candidate as well, the L.A. Watts Times believes Dawson’s youth, energy and coalition building experience make him a better candidate for district eight.
George McKenna- (Re-election of Los Angeles Board of Education- District 1)
George McKenna, long time school administrator and Los Angeles Board of Education member, has seen the ins and outs of the educational system. His expertise in knowing what will benefit students of color and create a solid foundation for learning has kept him in educational distinction. The teachers union, community leaders and educators have backed McKenna because of his history in education and efficiency. He continues to build a legacy of importance for equal resources for inner city students. That is why, we, the L.A. Watts Times, believe that George McKenna should remain on the seven-member board to help set overall policy for L.A. Unified School District.
Sydney Kamlager- (LA Community College District Board of Trustees- Seat 3)
Sydney Kamlager has worked as the district director for Senator Holly J. Mitchell for four years and has gained responsibility of strategic operations on legislative and constituent initiatives. Kamlager has over 20 years of experience in private, public and non-profit sectors for the community, businesses and schools. She has also served as a commissioner on the LA County Commission on Children and Families, the Board of Directors of The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, which works with at-risk youth through performing arts. She has worked with a statewide taskforce for Covered California to serve the African American community and healthcare reform. Her endorsers include 30th District State Senator Holly J. Mitchell, Congresswoman Karen Bass and L.A. City Councilman Mike Bonin.