After seeing the Los Angeles City Council District 14 be “taken advantage of for so very long” and the aftermath of the George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery killings that made downtown LA feel like a “war zone,” Attorney Teresa Hillery asked herself who was in charge.
Displeased with her findings from her research, Hillery said to herself, “We deserve better, and I can give them better.”
Related Stories:
Hillery is running to represent the 14th district on the L.A. City Council. She has been practicing law for 15 years — primarily in commercial real estate, which she believes is a relevant background considering the issue of affordable housing and homelessness. Hillery also has a public leadership credential from Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy.
“My love of God, love of people, community development, [my] heart is in the right place. I believe that we all have purpose and that people deserve to live their best life, and the government at some point should remove barriers so people can actually live their best life,” Hillery said. “I’m an advocate for all. I’m an advocate for everyone.”
Helping the unhoused is Hillery’s number one initiative focus. When she came to downtown LA about 20 years ago to start her legal career, she recalls not knowing much about Skid Row and how close she was to it.
“When I found out, I joined a church on 6th and San Pedro, and I was there for seven years just ministering and helping those who are in the community,” Hillery said.
“I’ve developed relationships/friendships with those who are housed and unhoused. And I understand the trauma.”
Hillery believes Skid Row should be respected as a community and have the same resources as any other community in City District 14.
Another area Hillery would focus on if elected is mobility and transportation. She feels it’s essential for the city to ensure that its transit gets passengers to home and other destinations, and especially to work on time.
This issue is significant to Hillery because in 2020 she was hit by an 18-wheeler on Highway Five. Since she lives and works downtown, she decided to commit to public transit for one year and never looked back. She never replaced her car and said she solely uses public transportation now
“You see a lot that you wouldn’t see if you’re in the car. So, I see the heaviness of life on people. I see the struggle of people, the very people that need to be at City Hall advocating for policies that are going to help them. They’re just trying to make it from day to day,” Hillery said.
Ensuring adequate lighting at the bus stop for the safety of other women travelers and easy access for biking or walking for the community is vital to Hillery.
Supporting small businesses that are the “backbone of our economy” is another concern of Hillery’s.
Elaborating on her focus, she said her goal is “to boost up small businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, so that they can thrive and really be a service to the community. They can provide more jobs –because, at the end of the day, we all want more life,” Hillery said.
“If you’re healthy in your mind, that’s what you want. When you’re fighting for wages, what you’re talking about, you’re talking about more life for you and your family. I see this role helping to do that.”
As a grassroots campaign, Hillery said she and her team need support, and supporters’ talents, skills, and abilities are all welcome.
“So that’s where I’m coming from. Integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, a bridge builder among communities, it doesn’t matter your background or where you come from. At the end of the day, like I say, We’re all the same, and we all want more life,” Hillery said.
To learn more, visit https://teresayhillery.com
