[img]1048|left|Jim Clarke||no_popup[/img]Second in a series
Re “About Time to Get Acquainted”
Earlier this century, Jim Clarke’s professional identity was inextricably associated with one of the most colorful personalities in Southland/Washington politics, the now-retired U.S. Rep. Diane Watson (D-Culver City), as her Chief of Staff.
Ms. Watson was known for her unbashful personality.
Four years ago, Mr. Clarke left Washington to come home and work for the new Mayor of Los Angeles, wherein lies a lovely personal story.
After escorting his visitor around the circular balcony of the 27th floor of the 19th century City Hall, for a panoramic view of all of Los Angeles, the Director of Federal Relations for Mayor Villaraigosa led the way to a high-ceilinged, magnificently windowed room overlooking the metropolis.
Practically every geographic aspect of the city was on display — all the way to Long Beach — except for the San Fernando Valley.
Mr. Clarke’s journey home began because “I am godfather to a now 18-year-old girl who was adopted from China, being raised by a single mom. I am her surrogate father. She was 11 when I left to go to D.C., and pretty upset about it. I promised her when she got into high school, I would come back to L.A.
“Now she is a senior. I gave her an automobile. She has a boyfriend, and I hardly ever see her.”
His goddaughter entered Mr. Clarke’s life when she was a 15-month-old bundle of happiness.”
How did you become professionally involved with Diane Watson?
“I had known Diane for years. I lived in her district. I actually worked on her first state Senate race, although I was working primarily Gwen Moore for Assembly, also Diane for state Senate and Julian Dixon for Congress.
“Remember when Yvonne Burke left, it opened up all of these seats, and everybody began moving up.
“When all three of those people won, I thought ‘Politics is easy.’”
How would you describe your specialty?
“Since spending four years in D.C., my specialty is federal government, understanding how the laws are done. I can be helpful when the city can go after federal dollars. Also, having contacts and understanding how the process works.”
(To be continued)
