In packed Senate race, Price is right

Editorial

Tools

It is doubtful that many election-weary voters in the 26th State Senate District — which encompasses much of South Los Angeles and all of Culver City, among other areas — are very aware that a special election will be held Tuesday. Nonetheless, voters in the district face an important decision in the primary election to select a replacement for Mark Ridley-Thomas, and we urge them to mark their ballots for Assemblyman Curren D. Price Jr.

When it comes to the state legislature, the byzantine rules and traditions, agenda-moving relationships and intramural politics of the statehouse often make it a choice that boils down to experience. As he would be replacing one of the most widely-experienced public officials still in the political arena, Price — who was an Inglewood city councilman before being elected to the Assembly in 2006 — is well-versed in the many issues facing the overwhelmingly middle- and working-class constituency he would represent if elected.

However, it isn’t just time spent in public life that makes Price better-suited for the post than the seven others who will appear on the March 24 ballot. His opponents have dismissed much of Price’s financial and political support as “special interests,” but the labor unions, teachers’ and law enforcement associations, and business and community organizations behind his candidacy represent the heart of the 26th district.

(Not that all of his associations are free from the sort of awkwardness that should make even his most ardent supporters take pause. If he wants higher office, then it is high time that Price put more distance between himself and the gambling interests that have long comprised a core of his financial support. If not only for the sake of appearances, then also to reassure those he represents that their interests — not those of an industry that makes many of them uneasy — will always be foremost on his agenda.)

In the midst of the worst economic crisis in decades, it is comforting to know that Price is committed to making economic development the hallmark of his service. As an assemblyman and local official, he has helped lead the way on economic issues without sacrificing key principles — for instance, standing with community activists against construction of a big-box retail center in Inglewood, but standing firm as a champion of small business interests in Sacramento.

Ambitiously, he has pledged to fight for the creation of 10,000 new jobs for the region should voters elevate him to the legislature’s upper chamber, and his own campaign Web site features an online job center where constituents and supporters can obtain leads on employment opportunities. As for core progressive principles, Price would be a reliable voice in the Senate: he supports universal health care, has begun to articulate a more fully-formed environmental agenda and is a strong backer of increasing education funding.
Taken together, his record and policies make Price the most qualified and palatable of all the candidates seeking your vote on Tuesday. While low turnout appears all but certain, we would like to see the district’s voters buck expectations and make their voices heard on election day.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

lola said on Friday, Apr 10 at 8:43 AM

• You are surviving the recession and you are waiting for the recovery. Now, while you wait for the recovery and the chance to once again make some money, take a look at these marketing recommendations and plan ahead, but also the main key for your small business on www.bizcloud.net If you are a buyer or seller of small businesses or some expert, you will find great value for your idea, business or maybe some business doubt!

19402247
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Brian Raber said on Friday, Apr 3 at 5:52 PM

Price will make an excellent State Senator.

19098277
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

Los Angeles Wave and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.