Mike Feuer for Los Angeles City Council

Mike Feuer is the best candidate for the 5th District seat of the Los Angeles City Council, and here’s why.

When Feuer proposed a number of police substations and walk-in centers for the district, which stretches from the Westside to the San Fernando Valley, opponents scoffed at the notion. Now, more and more people are praising the reasonableness of the idea, whether or not they give Feuer proper credit.

We fully support the concept of community policing. We believe that one way to improve relations between police and citizens is to get more officers out of their cars and into the neighborhoods. We also know that police stations are badly overcrowded and that there are some very costly proposals for giving officers the work space they need. Aware of the cost barriers, Feuer proposes a campaign to ask businesses to donate office space for police substations or to lease space at below-market rates. The heightened police presence, along with shorter response times by officers, would give both citizens and businesses a greater sense of security. Implementing the plan would cost far less than building new facilities. It’s a darned good idea, and Feuer has been pushing it for months.

Feuer seems to have a finger on the pulse of this diverse district. At a time when confidence in government is at an ebb, he talks about regaining trust by renewing the drive for ethics reform. He would encourage more citizen involvement through the creation of neighborhood councils, whose counsel he would seek on issues of community concern.

As the former executive director of Bet-Tzedek Legal Services, Feuer understands the needs of disaster victims, riot victims, the elderly, small businesses and homeowners. He has been on the playing field all over this city, successfully waging the battle for rights.

Mike Feuer is part of a new generation of fresh, spirited and talented leaders who have put off personal gain in favor of public service. The 5th District and the city as a whole would benefit from his election on June 6.