On January 28, SEIU Local 99 members had the opportunity to meet and interview candidates running for the California State Assembly (Districts 62,64,70) and the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education (District 1.) The “meet and greet” event, presented by Local 99’s Committee On Political Action, allowed members to directly ask these candidates where they stand on the issues we care about before we decide on a political endorsement. Indeed, they all signed a pledge to support our key issues including, contracts with wage increases, summer unemployment insurance benefits, and a voice for quality care.
This event was part of our process for deciding which candidates SEIU members will endorse during elections. The candidates elected to fill these seats will make critical budget decisions that will affect funding for our jobs, schools, and programs. State Assembly candidates will also vote on important legislation such as Summer Unemployment Insurance for School Workers and the Quality Child Care Act.
The following candidates came to our Local 99 office in Los Angeles on January 28 and participated in one-on-one conversations with members:
CA Assembly District 62
This District includes the cities of Inglewood, Hawthorn, and Lawndale to El Segundo, and includes Marina del Ray, Westchester, Playa del Ray, Venice and LAX
- Autumn Burke
- Betsy Butler
- Gloria Grey
CA Assembly District 64
This District has a northern boundary of Watts and moves south to Wilmington. Cities included are Compton, Carson, and a small portion of Long Beach.
- Micah Ali
- Mike Gibson
- Steve Neal
- Prophet Walker
CA Assembly District 70
This District includes the cities of Long Beach and Signal Hill, the Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbors, San Pedro, and Catalina Island.
- Patrick O’Donnell
LAUSD, District 1
This district stretches from parts of South and Southwest Los Angeles, including the Crenshaw District toward the boundaries of Beverly Hills, Culver City and Inglewood.
On December 5, 2013, LAUSD District 1 Board Member Marguerite LaMotte passed away after representing this South Los Angeles district for 10 years. On June 3rd a special election to fill the vacancy will be held. If no candidate receives 50%+1 of the vote, the top two candidates will participate in a runoff election on August 12. The filing deadline for candidates is February 18. Following that, a formal interview endorsement process will be conducted. On January 28, members met the following candidates who have expressed interest in serving as the new LAUSD District 1 Board Representative.
- Genethia Hudley-Hughes
- Alex Johnson
- George McKenna
- Sherlet Newbill
- Rachel Johnson
