By Wendy Greuel
Today is special for two big reasons.
As we celebrate President Obama's inauguration to a second term, we salute the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As Dr. King said:
“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
Our great city and our great nation face many challenges, including the struggle to create jobs and make our economy work for every family.
In Washington, President Obama has been working tirelessly to rebuild our economy over the last four years. The economy finally is emerging from the recession.
In Los Angeles, as your mayor, I intend to bring the same focus and dedication to the job.
To rebuild our economy and create jobs, we must invest in infrastructure, including transportation infrastructure – that moves people and goods around and through our city.
We must revitalize our schools to ensure our students can compete in the global marketplace – and attract employers to our city. We must recruit and retain employers in key industries. We must ensure that City Hall is an ally to the small businesses striving in our city. We must continue the struggle to make America a more tolerant, just and equal society. Starting right here at home.
That's a lot to do. But I'm not running just to be the mayor. I want to do the job of mayor.
I'm running to be a mayor for all of Los Angeles. I'm asking residents to lend me your time and talent to win this spring, and then get right to work tackling our city's toughest challenges, and ensuring every Angeleno can thrive.
Dr. King was right: Progress is not inevitable. We have to work hard at it. Making L.A. a better place for everyone is worth it. We can get there together.
City Controller Wendy Greuel, a candidate for mayor in the March 5 primary election, may be contacted at Wendy Greuel for Mayor 2013.
