Los Angeles County, California is the most populous county in the United States, with over 10 million residents. As such, it is a hub of political activity and home to some of the most influential elected officials in the country. In this article, I will take a closer look at the current political affairs in Los Angeles County and the individuals who hold positions of power.
The County Board of Supervisors
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is the governing body of the county and is responsible for making policy decisions and managing the county's budget. The board consists of five members, each representing a different district within the county.The current members of the board are Hilda Solis, Mark Ridley-Thomas, Sheila Kuehl, Janice Hahn, and Kathryn Barger.
Hilda Solis
was first elected to the board in 2014 and currently serves as its chair. She previously served as a member of Congress and as Secretary of Labor under President Obama. Solis is known for her advocacy for workers' rights and environmental issues.Mark Ridley-Thomas
has been a member of the board since 2008 and currently serves as its vice chair. He previously served in the California State Assembly and State Senate.Ridley-Thomas is a strong advocate for social justice and has been instrumental in implementing policies to address homelessness in the county.
Sheila Kuehl
was elected to the board in 2014 after serving in both houses of the California State Legislature. She is the first openly gay member of the board and is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Kuehl also focuses on issues such as healthcare and education.Janice Hahn
was elected to the board in 2016 after serving in the U. S.House of Representatives. She is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles County and is known for her work on issues such as public safety and economic development.
Kathryn Barger
is the newest member of the board, having been elected in 2016. She previously served as Chief Deputy Supervisor to her predecessor, Michael Antonovich. Barger is known for her focus on fiscal responsibility and public safety.The County Sheriff
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of the county, as well as some contract cities. The current sheriff is Alex Villanueva, who was elected in 2018. Villanueva is a 32-year veteran of the department and ran on a platform of reform and transparency.He has faced criticism from some members of the board of supervisors, but has also received praise for his efforts to address issues such as deputy misconduct and jail overcrowding.
The District Attorney
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases within the county. The current district attorney is George Gascón, who was elected in 2020. Gascón previously served as district attorney in San Francisco and has a reputation for being a progressive prosecutor. He has already implemented several changes in his short time in office, including ending cash bail and declining to prosecute certain low-level offenses.The Mayor of Los Angeles
While Los Angeles County is made up of 88 cities, the city of Los Angeles is the largest and most influential. The current mayor of Los Angeles is Eric Garcetti, who was first elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017. Garcetti has focused on issues such as homelessness, transportation, and economic development during his time in office.He has also been a vocal advocate for climate change action and has implemented several initiatives to make Los Angeles a more sustainable city.
The City Council
The Los Angeles City Council is the legislative body of the city and is responsible for passing laws and approving the city's budget. The council consists of 15 members, each representing a different district within the city. The current members of the council are Joe Buscaino, Paul Krekorian, Nury Martinez, Bob Blumenfield, Paul Koretz, Monica Rodriguez, David Ryu, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Curren Price Jr., Herb Wesson Jr., Mitch O'Farrell, John Lee, Mike Bonin, Mark Ridley-Thomas, and Kevin de León.The city council plays a crucial role in shaping the policies and direction of the city. Each member brings their own unique perspectives and priorities to the table, making for a diverse and dynamic governing body.In Conclusion
The current elected officials in Los Angeles County, California represent a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.They are responsible for making important decisions that impact the lives of millions of people in the county and beyond. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these officials navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
