A little over a year ago, the voters of San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and Watts took a chance by electing a political newcomer - their neighborhood cop - to represent them on the Los Angeles City Council.

I came to City Hall as an outsider with no experience in politics; just a passion for my hometown, and a desire to make the communities I represent a better place for residents and businesses alike. As a Senior Lead Officer in the LAPD, I saw firsthand how little things, like graffiti, illegal dumping and broken streets can bring down a neighborhood.

Of my new colleagues in City government, one in particular stands out: Eric Garcetti. The communities he has so passionately represented for the past 12 years - Hollywood, Silverlake, and Echo Park - have thrived under his leadership and become synonymous with neighborhood revitalization. The LA Chamber ranked his district as number one in job growth.

Eric’s success in improving the quality of life in his district, from tripling the amount of parks to drastically reducing graffiti, serves as an inspiration and a model for the kind of transformation I hope to bring to the communities I represent. Having him as a friend and mayor of this great City will be instrumental to my ability to accomplish that goal for the diverse communities of the Fifteenth District.

Eric has a strong work ethic, shares my passion for public service, and a collaborative approach to leadership . He is an inspiration, a champion for the greater good, and is by far the best choice for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Sincerely,

Councilman Joe Buscaino, 15th District