Vote for Adeena Bleich for District 5 City Council Representative
For those of you in LA who may not be aware, there is an election coming up on Tuesday, March 3rd. In Council District 5 (See Map) which encompasses a large swath of the city from Palms to portions of Sherman Oaks and Encino, there are six candidates vying for the seat of outgoing Councilman Jack Weiss. I recently attended a candidates’ forum and listened closely to all the prospects. As expected, most of the responses to the questions put to the candidates were filled with the usual promises to cut waste, improve schools and traffic and be the best representative for the people. What struck me however, was one candidate that stood out from the rest.
Adeena Bleich (website) was clearly the youngest of the group running for City Council, but this fact alone isn’t the only reason I think she’d be the most likely to challenge the “old boys network” that has for too long entrenched itself in Los Angeles politics. Adeena was unafraid to voice her public opposition to Measure B (See Related Post). This stance is risky for anyone running for public office in Los Angeles as it directly opposes the powerful union that represents DWP workers as well as the majority of the current City Council. In fact, that union has vowed to “bury” any candidate that dares to oppose their self-serving grab for power. Perhaps that’s why virtually every other candidate said they opposed the “process” of how Measure B got on the ballot while supporting the ballot measure itself. Talk about having it both ways! Adeena was clear about her stance – she opposed the “process” and the measure, regardless of the political consequences. Also, Adeena supports a rollback of the recent exorbitant increase in parking fees (up to $4.00 an hour in some places) and service hours (including nights and Sundays) foisted upon the citizens of Los Angels by the current City Council. Adeena correctly understands that increasing parking fees in this manner will only drive customers away from our local businesses, further depressing an already faltering economy. (If you haven’t seen those parking fee increases yet, you will soon.)
In addition, I got a chance to speak with Adeena after the forum. She struck me as genuinely concerned for the people she sought to represent rather than someone who was out to build a political career. I believe she will be receptive her constituents concerns to a much greater extent than our current council representative and I believe she won’t “go along to get along” as is typical of City Council members in general. If she is elected, Adeena Bleich would likely bring a breath of fresh air to Los Angeles city politics, something which is desperately needed. I therefore urge you to vote for Adeena Bleich if you live in Council District 5 (See Map) and/or urge anyone who lives in our district to do so as well.
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by David Boaz or 
by David Bergland, both excellent books on libertarian thought.
Comment by Jason The Saj | March 5th, 2009
I went to high school with Adeena’s brother. And typical of that young age, I butted heads with my friend Noah’s sister on more than a couple of occasions. I recall at least one time when tortilla chips went flying across at each other.
That said, she always had heart and strength of character. I am sure our opinion on many political issues are polar opposite. That said, I believe she holds the same values of integrity and disgust for sleazy corrupt politics. Americans have forgotten that there is another kind. One founded by beliefs & dreams rooted in positive virtues. One where regardless of differences in beliefs all are acting out of what they believe to be for the good of the country.
I believe Adeena’s character to be such. And I believe Los Angeles lost out in not electing Adeena to it’s city council. And this statement comes from someone whom Adeena probably would have labeled her brother’s most annoying friend from high school days.
Sincerely,
Jason the Saj
PS – Adeena, best of luck in the next election. Don’t give up…this nation needs good people to run for office. We forget that good people can win.
PPS – Los Angeles, if you want good politicians. Consider voting for Adeena regardless of your political party. I am a register Republican (not liking my party much) as I tend to be a Libertarian. Less government is more to me. But I’ll take an honest man or woman who I disagree with over a sleazeball that agrees with me any day.
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Comment by freedomminute | March 6th, 2009
Jason,
Welcome and thanks for your comments. It’s gratifying to hear that my instincts regarding Adeena were correct. I did get the sense that I wouldn’t agree with her on everything, but I also believe that the most important trait in someone who wants to represent you is honesty and straightforwardness. At least then you know where you stand.
My second choice was David Vahedi and he’s in the runoff with Paul Koretz. I’ll support Vahedi over Koretz any day. He also was against Prop B which shows his integrity (at least on that issue) and he comes from a background of having served on his local neighborhood council. Neighborhood Councils often butt heads with the City Council, so maybe he won’t be just another rubber stamp for Villaragosa’s policies.
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