A well-informed vote

Latino voters will be an influential group in the upcoming election for mayor of Los Angeles. They deserve more respect from the candidates and their people, who apparently would rather attack their rivals with half-truths instead of addressing the community’s concerns.

The campaign has reached a low point, taking on a destructive tone that explains electoral apathy and voter frustration with politicians.

The campaigns of Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti should be seeking Latino support by discussing security and municipal services, among other issues. Instead, their attempts to court voters involve trying to destroy the opponent or confusing the electorate, which is unacceptable.

For example, Greuel’s campaign has tried to associate the reprehensible anti-immigrant message of former mayoral candidate Kevin James with Garcetti. What was not mentioned is that James’ statements did not bother the controller while she was actively seeking his support.

Another example is the promotion and distribution of advertising by her followers that implies that in general, voting for Greuel can result in increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour, instead of explaining that this election promise only applies to hotel workers in Los Angeles.

Likewise, supporters of Garcetti implied in a TV ad that Greuel joined Pete Wilson in favor of Proposition 187. In reality, the controller was a registered Republican but never supported 187.

These campaigns targeting Latinos are deceptive because of what they deliberately omit and their attempts to confuse. Given the misleading strategies of political campaigns, voters must pay attention and be well informed, especially since their decision can be the determining factor.

It is also worth questioning what the candidates are saying. Did Garcetti achieve as much as he says as a council member, or is he exaggerating? Can Greuel really fulfill all her promises, when she is making them to organizations with conflicting interests, like labor unions and the Chamber of Commerce?

The Latino vote is an integral part of campaign strategies. The candidates have four days to seek Latino support with ideas and proposals.

On the other hand, voters have the same amount of time to become informed in order to fully participate on Tuesday and assume responsibility, so they can decide who will lead our city into the future.