Jan Perry (right) endorsement gives added momentum to Curren Price (left) for City Council
Councilwoman who has represented 9th District for 12 years says senator is “the right leader” to succeed her at L.A. City Hall.
In more than a decade as a member of the Los Angeles City Council, Councilwoman Jan Perry has earned a reputation as a tough-minded, strong-willed advocate for the 9th District. Her determination to begin transforming a long-neglected area has paid off: a renewed focus on economic development has paid visible dividends in a district that is home to the successful LA Live complex; and her work to start changing how we perceive homelessness has helped place a much-needed spotlight on areas outside Skid Row, giving new hope to advocates who have long called for a more comprehensive approach to reducing the number of men and women living on the street.
Now, as she prepares to exit City Hall, the conversation has turned to who is best prepared to grab the baton and carry on the work for the people of Southeast L.A. With election day fast approaching, Perry has told her supporters that the choice is crystal-clear: Sen. Curren Price possesses the experience and integrity that the 9th District needs to continue building on that momentum.
“I don’t take endorsements lightly,” said Perry, explaining her decision to join the Curren Price for City Council campaign. “This is a very special community — one that I have proudly represented for 12 years. For this reason, I took my time talking to people in the 9th District to ensure that their best interests are met in the future. With this in mind, I believe that Curren Price is the right leader for the Ninth District.
“As part of his campaign, Curren has pledged to right the disparity that has resulted from redistricting, and will work to restore the revenue connection between the southern portion of the district and downtown. This connection will ensure the economic future of our neighborhoods, and is an important promise that will help support the people of the Ninth District today and in the future.”
Perry — who was counted among the many dignitaries who joined Price at an April 20 celebration at his South Broadway campaign headquarters in the heart of the 9th District — noted that the senator is best positioned to draw out the limitless potential in the district she has represented since 2001. Her assessment of Price’s qualifications is representative of the view held by her constituents, who made Price the first-place finisher in the March 5 primary election to begin choosing her successor.
Indeed, the senator has earned the support of virtually the entire civic leadership of Los Angeles, staked out a 4-1 fundraising advantage over his opponent and already represents much of the 9th District as a well-respected state legislator. His campaign is endorsed by such leaders as L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Congresswoman Karen Bass, L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson Jr., retired Congresswoman Diane Watson, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and a host of other influential officials throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
“I believe Curren has a strong track record for supporting business development in our state and the region,” said Perry, “and understands what it takes to continue economic investment to South Los Angeles that brings jobs and greater opportunities to the people who need them the most.”
Price said he was proud to have Perry’s support for his campaign, calling her “a strong leader and a cultural bridge-builder, which is why she so successfully represented our wonderfully diverse community for 12 productive years. We in are thankful for the hard work she has done to set our district on course for a very bright future. I am grateful to have her endorsement.”
The election for the 9th District is Tuesday May 21 along with runoffs for mayor, controller, and city attorney.
