A city of changes

The results of the election cycle that began with the primaries in March and ended last Tuesday, except in L.A.’s District 6, mean a significant change in the structure of the local government.

The City Council will have seven new members out of a total of 15. Four of them are state lawmakers returning to Los Angeles—which may end up being five, if Cindy Montañez repeats her victory in the runoff—after finishing their terms in Sacramento, which could develop new dynamics in the Council. Two Council members were re-elected, while staff members of outgoing Council members won in another two districts.

Given this new outlook, we hope Councilman-elect Curren Price redoubles his efforts to include Latinos from District 9 in his administration.

In the Los Angeles Unified School Board, this election on paper meant a loss for the most pro-reform position on education. However, we will have to see the changed dynamics starting on July 1.

The defeats of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and Councilman Dennis Zine, who ran for controller, also reflect a desire for change.

On the one hand, the election meant changes. On the other, political apathy persisted, with voter absenteeism that is unsustainable in a participative democracy.

That is why we believe that one of the priorities for this incoming group of politicians must be to increase voter involvement, so that voters are and feel relevant. The political culture of civic participation must be recreated.

This poses a challenge, particularly for Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti, who won thanks to his promise of a modern, inclusive, transparent and results-based leadership style.