More Local Groups Endorse Council Incumbents

More local organizations announced their support this week for the re-election of Mayor Jeffrey Prang and Councilman John Duran.

West Hollywood municipal employees represented by the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3339 and the Coalition for Economic Survival (CES), a tenants' rights organization have come out in favor of the two incumbents running in the 2013 West Hollywood City Council election.

“Following a process in which we questioned all of the candidates, our union was convinced that both Mr. Prang and Mr. Duran have a vision for the city that is in the best interests of all residents and reflects the progressive values and good governance that define this community,” union President Janet Jimenez said in a statement.

"In this election there are a number of candidates who lack experience or knowledge and could easily be influenced by landlord and developer lobbyists," CES Executive Director Larry Gross said in a statement. "One perennial candidate has an anti-rent control track record and would be a disaster for renters and the city as a whole if elected. This is why renters must vote on March 5, and we strongly urge that they cast their ballots for Jeff Prang and John Duran."

In recent weeks Prang and Duran received endorsements from local political clubs.

The employees' union also joined CES, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and the Weho political clubs in supporting a "no" vote on the ballot measure that aims to establish term limits for West Hollywood council members.

Jiminez called term limits "undemocratic" and added that “voters should be able to cast their ballots for the candidate whom they believe is most qualified.”

Editor's note: This story incorrectly reported that the L.A. County Democratic Party endorsed Weho incumbents. Party members are scheduled to vote on endorsing West Hollywood council candidates next week.

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