“Marco Santana is the right leader at this crucial juncture for Los Angeles.” Kelly Gonez, LAUSD Board President
LOS ANGELES – Valley community leader and non-profit housing director Marco Santana announced his candidacy to fill the Los Angeles City Council seat left vacant with the resignation of Council President Nury Martinez. The special election is scheduled to take place on April 4, 2023.
“The Valley has a special place in my heart as it’s always been my home. But in recent years it feels as if we have been forgotten at City Hall – I’m running to change that,” said Santana. “By putting my experiences of working with constituents, local non-profits, and community-based coalitions to work for the district and bringing proven solutions that house the unhoused to create safer neighborhoods, I’ll work toward uniting our communities and delivering the brighter future we all deserve.”
“City Hall is broken and requires new leadership that isn’t afraid to stand up to the status quo, ensure our voices are heard, and resolve the issues that for too long have plagued our communities. Marco Santana is that new leadership,” Alejandro Morales, Past President of the Pacoima Neighborhood Council. “Marco is known for rolling up his sleeves to get the job done – and that’s exactly who we need representing us at City Hall.”
As a Director at the LA Family Housing, a non-profit that focuses on solutions to house the unhoused, Marco has witnessed the challenges encountered by those who are homeless and helped implement real solutions that in 2021 alone resulted in over 12,000 Angelenos being successfully connected with the housing and services needed to end homelessness in their lives for good. Prior to his work with LA Family Housing, Marco worked with constituents on behalf of Congressman Tony Cardenas and State Senator Bob Hertzberg to resolve concerns and move projects to improve the lives of all who call the Valley home.
“Marco Santana is the right leader at this crucial juncture for Los Angeles. Marco brings a fresh perspective, a history of service to our community, and proven experience — all attributes that we need at City Hall to tackle the challenges we face. I’m proud to stand in support of Marco Santana for City Council,” said Kelly Gonez, LAUSD Board President.
In addition to his legislative and non-profit housing work in the district, Marco also believes strongly in giving back to the local community and proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Valley YMCA and Initiating Change In Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) which provides support to local small businesses. Marco is also involved in the local democratic process by serving as Controller of the Democratic Party San Fernando Valley and Vice President and Treasurer of the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats.
“I know that Marco has a deep commitment to the success of all who call the Valley and L.A. home. I’ve seen his work firsthand — at L.A. Family Housing, where he delivers proven solutions to homelessness and helps the most marginalized Angelenos get back on their feet. Through his service on the Board of nonprofits like the Mid-Valley YMCA, Marco shows his dedication to our communities and his understanding of what we need.” said Erica Liepmann, local non-profit leader.
To learn more, please visit MarcoForLA.com
Source: Press Release
2 Comments
Lionel, the last thing we need is another progressive. If you look at how progressive candidates run their districts, it isn’t a pretty sight. Mike Bonin, the most progressive councilmember on LACC, allowed encampments to overrun his district, ignored and insulted his constituents, and promotes the same dangerous policies like defunding the police that are contributing to the rise in crime in many US cities.
I am skeptical about Marco Santana. I am a resident of district he is running. Communities leaders, myself included, will continue to research each candidate and probe their policy positions and political views. We don’t want a repeat of Nury Martinez. We want a progressive, independent leader who will tackle city hall, private sector and rein in on the LAPD Budget. We had enough of the same people who are taking advantage of our working-class communities.