[img]1662|left|Emanuel Pleitez||no_popup[/img] Emanuel Pleitez came out strong and aggressive early in last evening’s Los Angeles mayoral candidates debate at UCLA televised by NBC4. The theme of the forum, “Your vision for driving the Los Angeles economy,” set the stage for questions about job creation, the city budget, and other economic issues in the city.
When asked about jobs, Mr. Pleitez, the youngest contender, was quick to frame his answer. “Anyone who stands up here and tells you that they will ‘create jobs’ is naïve,” he said.
“Jobs are created when businesses grow and hire from a skilled workforce.”
Mr. Pleitez positioned himself as the only candidate qualified to save Los Angeles from economic disaster because of his experience in the private sector and at the federal level. He carried this same attitude throughout the night.
On pension reform, Mr. Pleitez took aim directly at City Councilman Eric Garcetti, stating that “no money means no money, no matter the size of the deficit. Both mean massive cuts to city services.”
He extended his criticism from Mr. Garcetti to all of the elected officials in the running, asking the audience to help him “get our budget under control by cleaning up after our politicians and their false promises.”
Mr. Pleitez proposed a pension buyout plan that would give workers the option to receive their pension benefits up front instead of receiving nothing in the future due to unfunded pension fund liabilities.
Asked about last night’s performance, Mr. Pleitez said:
“We have been working hard since July to get to this point. Now Angelenos across the city have the chance to hear what I bring to the table. We raised the money, walked the streets, made the calls. Now I’m equal if not better than the other four prominent candidates.
“Angelenos need to know that they have a real choice between the path we’re on and a new kind of leader. Los Angeles deserves a mayor who actually understands the economy and knows what it’s like to struggle in this city. I’m the only candidate who can fill that void.”
Mr. Pleitez hopes to extend his momentum this evening at 7:30 at the Sinai Temple Town Hall, Wilshire Boulevard, Westwood. The event questions will cover topics including: crime, cost of living, education, and homelessness, among other topics. The Jewish Journal will be live streaming the event on their website.
A former technology executive with public, private, and non-profit sector experience, Mr. Pleitez was appointed to manage President Obama’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board. He grew up on the East Side and lives in El Sereno with his wife, Rebecca.
See www.pleitezforla.com.
Mr. Hill is Mr. Pleitez’s campaign manager, and he may be reached at john_hill@pleitezforla.com
