Mayoral Campaign Announcement Speech

By Jim Hahn

Remarks by James K. Hahn

Now is the time for leadership grown out of taking on the city's toughest challenges and winning. That's what I've done. That's what I'll do as Mayor.

I grew up right in this neighborhood. I went to school right here at Manchester Elementary. Dodger Blue runs through my veins. I've grown hoarse more than once cheering on our Lakers. I'm a Los Angeles kid who wants to continue to serve his city.

My sister Janice and I learned our values from two loving parents. This is where I learned that what matters, is not your name, but what you get done. It's where I learned that you usually get more done when you work with people than when you fight with them.

But, it's where I also learned that you have to be prepared to take on tough fights and that making a real difference in people's lives is what matters most.

My Dad, Supervisor Kenny Hahn, accomplished many things in his career # County Paramedic Program, call boxes on the freeway, and yes, even bringing the Dodgers to L.A. Through all his years and accomplishments, I learned something fundamental from my father ... people matter, public service matters.

I am very proud of my father's legacy, proud of my family name, and I honor my parents and all they taught me.

But, I stand for Mayor based on my own record of service to the people of Los Angeles.

Five times the people of this city have, by their votes, entrusted me with two of the most important offices in this City -- Controller, the City's chief fiscal officer, and City Attorney. Both jobs have given me unique preparation for the job I seek today.

As City Controller, my proudest accomplishment was to stand up for Los Angeles homeowners and stop the city from raising your property taxes.

As City Attorney, my highest priority has always been the safety of our people. We created a new legal weapon against gang infestation of our communities, gang injunctions to end the terror in our neighborhoods. We implemented the Kid Watch Program to ensure the safety of our children on their way to school. We established the first real Domestic Violence Unit in the City Attorney's office. Because I believe to end violence in our community, we must begin by ending violence in the home.

My office has taken on powerful interests on behalf of the people of Los Angeles. We stopped auto insurance companies from ripping off safe drivers in LA with higher rates, only because they live in our City. We helped lead a nationwide effort against gun manufacturers to protect our City from the scourge of gun violence. We took on the big tobacco companies and won protection for our children from illicit tobacco sales. We have fought to clean up our neighborhoods by removing drug houses, abandoned buildings, and problem liquor stores. And, we fought the slumlords who take advantage of struggling families and our elderly.

I have experience where it counts -- right here in my hometown # Los Angeles. I am proud of my record, but I'm not done yet. As Mayor, I also offer new ideas for an ever-changing City.

I propose keeping more of our schools open after-hours. The school day doesn't end at three o'clock. We should open school libraries, study halls, and computer labs so our children will have a place to go after school. Let's fight gangs by getting our kids off the streets. Our schools can be community centers for everyone from children to seniors.

I propose a goal of one thousand new police officers on our streets, supported by the highest quality training and the best in new technology.

And, I strongly believe in an expanded community policing partnership with our neighborhoods.

The quality of life in Los Angeles must match the quality of our climate. As Mayor, I will tackle the gridlock on our streets. Let's install left turn lanes at our busiest intersections; let's implement smart signals with sensors that detect pedestrians at intersections and can adjust to allow more cars to turn left at the busiest times of day. And, let's set a goal to fix twenty-five of our most crowded intersections every year.

Quality of life also means quality jobs. And I want to create a climate that encourages businesses and entrepreneurs to follow their ingenuity and invest in their ideas. That's why I propose eliminating taxes on start-up businesses for two full years and reducing business taxes overall.

As Los Angeles moves forward into this new century, many of our citizens question the value to them of this city staying together. I will be a Mayor that convinces people that they are important to the life and success of Los Angeles and that Los Angeles is important to them. That's why I strongly supported our new City Charter and fought for the inclusion of neighborhood councils.

If we are going to stay together, now is the time for leadership that measures and balances the needs of every neighborhood, of every person. To lead this City, the next Mayor will have to work tirelessly to gain the confidence of every part of our City -- the Valley, the Harbor, Hollywood, East LA, the West Side and right here in South Central. And I have a head start # I've worked with all the diverse communities that make up the fabric of this city. I believe I'm that leader and I believe my history and my record tell that story.

Here's a recent case to underline the kind of leadership you can expect from Mayor Hahn. I negotiated the settlement with the federal government that prevented a federal takeover of the Los Angeles Police Department, but committed the City to work with the federal government to implement real police reform. I recognized and agreed with the concerns of Chief Parks and Mayor Riordan that we must maintain local control of our Police Department.

But, I also knew we must end, once and for all time, a culture that fails to uncover scandal or prevent gross misconduct by bad police officers. I have worked with rank and file LAPD and I know they are more embarrassed by the bad cops than anyone. Through determined and focused leadership, we met the legitimate concerns of all sides in this debate with a solution that will work for the future.

Others can posture on the issues. I have a record to run on # a Los Angeles record.

This is where I grew up, where I was married, where I went to public school and where my kids attend public schools today. This is where I have lived my life and followed my family's tradition of community-based public service. I know what this city is, I know what it has been, and I know what it can still become.

That's why today, I offer my candidacy for Mayor of Los Angeles because I believe I have a lifetime of experience that counts. Experience I will put to work for you.