The Black Los Angeles Young Dems (BLAYD) held a special election candidate forum at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Mar Vista and was moderated by Dallas Fowler. The event marked the first debate between the candidates: Christopher R. Armenta, John Jake and Sebastian Ridley-Thomas.
The event was well attended and standing room only. The format of the meeting included members of: New Frontier Democratic Club, West LA Democratic Club, Crenshaw Subway Coalition, SCLC LA- Stonewall Democratic Club, National Action Network, Black Community Clergy & Labor Alliance and the Westchester Democratic Club, alternating questions to the candidates.
Many of the questions focused on education, fracking, water, transportation and racial profiling.
For the first debate, all of the candidates did well. They all support legislation to address racial profiling by law enforcement officials. All are aware of the water crisis and the need to look at alternatives for water delivery to the southern region of California. Transportation questions centered around funding for Crenshaw/LAX line that includes adding a tunnel in the Park Mesa portion. Education is underfunded and fracking is not welcome.
Although the candidates are running for the 54th Assembly, the person elected will vote on legislation that will affect the entire state. Get to know the issues, come out to the next forum and join the discussion. You never know who you will find yourself talking to.
