Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor

From the L.A. Times: Final hours: the Bernard Parks campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:57:00 +0000

In the race to become Los Angeles first new county supervisor in 16 years, Barack Obama is playing as much of a starring role as the candidates themselves.

Strategists say voters in the district, which includes South Los Angeles, may turn out at the polls in unprecedented numbers under the prospect of electing the country's first black president. As a result, Bernard Parks has rebranded his campaign office the "Obama/Parks Headquarters," and supporters of Mark Ridley-Thomas have recrafted their rallies in recent days as "Obama/Ridley-Thomas" affairs.

The issue is particularly acute for Parks, who has battled attacks from Ridley-Thomas that he is a Republican in Democrat's clothing. Hoping to counter the perception, Parks -- a delegate for Obama at this year's Democratic convention -- carried a stack of hundreds of photos showing himself smiling with Obama, distributing them during visits to 10 churches and two voters' forums Sunday.

The district is home to 2.5 million people, with its core in Crenshaw, Watts and Baldwin Hills; around the edges are Marina del Rey, Culver City, Koreatown, Compton, Carson and Inglewood. African American voting strength is estimated to be roughly 40% in the district, closely followed by whites with 30% and Latinos with 25%.

Neither Parks nor Ridley-Thomas speak Spanish, forcing Parks to use Supervisor Gloria Molina as a surrogate at a Spanish-language service Sunday. Adriana Valenzuela, a 35-year-old mother of two children, hovered close to Parks as he exited Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church near Exposition Park.

Although the two were unable to communicate, Parks' many years of visibility in Los Angeles earned Valenzuela's vote. "I've seen him on television for many years, first when he was chief of police and later as city councilman. I trust him. He can do more for us," she said.

-- Garrett Therolf

From the L.A. Times: Police unveil billboard to help catch serial killer

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:54:00 +0000

The sign advertises a $500,000 award offered by the City Council for information leading to the capture of the killer, who appears to target prostitutes.

By Joel Rubin
1:44 PM PST, November 3, 2008

Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks and the LAPD unveiled a billboard today that aims to help police in their search for a serial killer in South Los Angeles.

The killer first surfaced in the late 1980s and then after a long period of apparent silence resurfaced in 2002. Except for one male victim, he has targeted young black women, killing 11 in all and badly wounding another woman, investigators said.

He sexually abused the women and left almost all of their bodies in a corridor along Western Avenue, often in alleys. Detectives suspect most of the women were working as prostitutes at the time they were killed.

The billboard, at the intersection of 98th Street and Western Avenue, advertises a $500,000 award offered by the City Council for information leading to the capture of the killer. After several weeks of relatively few tips from residents, detectives hope the sign will generate a heavier flow of leads.

Rubin is a Times staff writer.

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:31:00 +0000

Friends,

This election is coming down to the wire. Here are a few things to remember:

· Los Angeles County is expecting the largest voter turnout in recent memory.

· Do not be discouraged by long lines or bad weather. In this historic race EVERY vote counts.

· You can call the County Registrar-Recorder to determine your registration status or to locate your polling place at: 1-800-815-2666 or visit www.lavote.net for more information.

· If you have an Absentee Ballot but have yet to turn it in, you can drop it off at any Polling Place on Tuesday, November 4^th between 7am and 8pm.

· And most importantly, I humbly ask you to please vote for me,

Bernard C. Parks for Supervisor of the 2^nd District!

Thank you,

BERNARD C. PARKS

Candidate, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

BERNARD C. PARKS for Supervisor

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:39:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:36:00 +0000

Picture 1: Councilmember

Bernard C. Parks joins Congresswoman Maxine Waters at a "Get Out the Vote Rally" for the Barack Obama for President Campaign. The rally was held at Obama's Crenshaw Office Headquarters at 5444 Crenshaw Boulevard.

Picture 2: Councilmember Bernard C. Parks flips pancakes at his Issues Only Townhall Meeting in Culver City as former Culver City Mayor Alan Corlin looks on.

MRT& McCain: Politics as Usual

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:37:00 +0000

As Senator John McCain's Campaign is flooding swing voters with "robocalls"(automated phone calls) smearing Senator Barack Obama's character, the campaign for Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas is attempting to do the same thing to the reputation of Councilmember Bernard C. Parks.

Television ads paid for by corrupt former union boss Tyrone Freeman and his cronies are distorting Parks' record as a Police Chief and as a Councilmember.

The Obama Campaign says that McCain's tactics distract voters from the issues that matter. And, the Parks Campaign agrees.

The fact is that our opponent's negative ads don't provide any real answers to the issues we all hold close to our hearts and our pocketbooks: health care and the economy.

So, instead of joining in the mudslinging, here's what you can do: Come to Parks Campaign Headquarters at 3734 Crenshaw Boulevard and sign up to phone bank, walk a precinct or contribute funds.

Click here to Donate:
http://parksforsupervisor.com/GetInvolved/Donate/tabid/74/Default.aspx
Click here to Volunteer:
http://parksforsupervisor.com/GetInvolved/Volunteer/tabid/73/Default.aspx

That is one of the only ways your voice can be heard in the very important election for the Second District Seat on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.

See you there!

Major Papers Back Barack & Bernard Ticket

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Over the last week, the campaigns of Presidential hopeful, Senator Barack Obama, and Supervisorial candidate Councilmember Bernard C. Parks have been racking up the endorsements from Los Angeles County's major newspapers.

So far, the L.A. Times, L.A. Daily News, L.A. Daily Breeze, L.A. Sentinel and Long Beach Press-Telegram have all gone on record to support what's being called the "Barack and Bernard" ticket. This strong wave of support is a clear indication that Senator's message of hope and change and Parks' message of courage and leadership is resonating with L.A. County's opinion makers.

In many ways, the endorsements of the two candidates mirror each other. Look below to see what L.A. County's leading newspapers are saying about Senator Barack Obama and Councilmember Bernard C. Parks:

Healthcare
Daily News/Daily Breeze Family of Newspapers on Obama: "He(Obama) has a clear health care plan, similar to what California has been trying to create over the past two years"

Daily News/Daily BreezeFamily of Newspapers on Parks: "Parks favors new approaches for the county health care system and, in particular, returning King-Harbor Medical Center to a full-service hospital.

Budget & the Economy
Daily News/Daily Breeze Family of Newspapers on Obama: "His(Obama's) national economic policies pay homage to what this great state has already pioneered"

L.A. Times on Parks: "Parks has shown a steady hand chairing the City Council's budget committee, and would bring similar care to the much larger county government."

L.A. Times on Obama: "It is Obama's character and temperament that come to the fore. It is his steadiness. His maturity."

The 2008 Presidential and Supervisorial Election
Daily News/Daily Breeze Family of Newspapers on Obama: "...this election has become about hope and despair... when it comes down to the choice between the two top contenders and between hope and despair, there is one clear choice. Barack Obama is the one."

L.A. Times on Parks: "We are counting on Parks to resist the county's tendency toward mediocrity.. as a county supervisor, he(Parks) would be well positioned to correct those failures and make the government of the nation's most -populous county more effective and efficient."

Business & Labor
L.A. Times on Obama: "He(Obama) is a Democrat, leaning further left than right, but he has won the backing of some on Wall Street not because he's one of them but because they recognize his talent for extracting from a broad range of proposals a coherent and workable program."

Daily News/Daily Breeze Family of Newspapers on Parks: "Parks also draws support from businesses and the L.A. Chamber of Commerce. Parks would take a consistent and balanced view when dealing with labor-management issues."

Working with Others
L.A. Times on Obama: "He(Obama) is no lone rider. He is a consensus-builder, a leader."

Daily News/Daily Breeze Family of Newspapers on Parks: "Through his service as an elected leader, he(Parks) has worked in tandem with organizations such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, National League of Cities and Southern California Association of Governments."

Candidate Qualifications
L.A. Times on Obama: "Obama has offered more competence than drama. Obama is educated and eloquent, sober and exciting, steady and mature."

L.A. Times on Parks: "Parks has the ability and experience to make the most of the position. Parks has shown tough-mindedness and independence. The demands of the position will require the next supervisor to demonstrate intellectual, legal and political skills that transcend a right-left or business-labor approach."

PARKS AND VOLUNTEERS REGISTER MORE THAN 400 ON DEADLINE DAY IN CRENSHAW AREA

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:25:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (Oct 20) -- On voter registration deadline Oct 20, Councilman Bernard Parks and community volunteers registered more than 400 people from 18 to 97 years old to vote in the Crenshaw area during a final push before the midnight cutoff. Volunteers hit the streets at 5AM and worked to 10PM registering voters.

Also, Parks kicked off the morning at his campaign headquarters, 3734 Crenshaw Boulevard by clarifying myths about voter criteria -- including for former parolees and prisoners. He said, “It’s important to clarify the myths that have sometimes been created to keep people away from the polls,” said Parks. “There are only three circumstances that could legally prohibit people from voting.”

Parks also advised that voters who cannot find their names on the voter roster on election day November 4, 2008 when they show up to their respective polling places, can vote by provisional ballot. Also, he points out that people on probation can vote despite an all-to-common belief that they cannot. “It’s long been assumed that people who’ve been convicted of a crime cannot vote. That’s not necessarily so,” Parks said.

"Magic" Johnson Lashes Out at Ridley-Thomas’ Negative Campaigning

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:23:00 +0000

Legendary Laker and Accomplished Businessman Seems Baffled by Ridley-Thomas' Sudden About-Face Regarding Parks' Career at LAPD

In a video statement released today on parksforsupervisor.com, Laker Hall-of-Famer and illustrious entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson called out Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas for negative and untruthful campaigning against his opponent, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks.

The former Laker said, "You're going to get a lot of things said about Councilman Parks because the only way people feel that they can beat him is to talk bad about him. But, we as citizens of this great city of Los Angeles know better. We’re going to support Councilman Parks as Supervisor. And, we're not going to listen to Mark or anybody else talk bad about him. We know the type of man and the type of person and the job he has done as Chief Parks, as Councilmember Parks and the job he’s going to do as County Supervisor Parks."

The response comes after the Ridley-Thomas campaign and its supporters produced television ads and mailers containing derogatory comments about Parks' career at LAPD and on the L.A. City Council that were false and misleading.

Furthermore, Johnson's statements are supported by the fact that on February 14, 2002 Ridley-Thomas authored an L.A. Times opinion piece entitled: "Parks Proved His Leadership". In it, Ridley-Thomas goes out of his way to praise Parks' accomplishments as Chief-- even mentioning that Parks deserved another five-year term at the helm of the department. The Ridley-Thomas-authored opinion piece seems to be in direct conflict with the propaganda he and his campaign are spewing out.

Below are some other excerpts from the editorial written by Ridley-Thomas:

* "Parks has confronted the issues of objectionable police tactics and street crime head-on..."

* "... his (Parks') work ethic is unmatched and his competence unparalleled."

* "Without a doubt, Parks is a proven leader..."

* "Parks has continued to push forward to create a new and improved LAPD."

* "Parks has taken the difficult stance of remaining true to providing leadership for change."

Ridley-Thomas felt so strongly about Parks' leadership that he included the opinion piece in a campaign mailer he used to run for the State Assembly in 2002. In the mailer, he accuses the union that represents LAPD officers, the Police Protective League(PPL), of: "engaging in a vicious attack campaign to fire our Chief Bernard Parks". Ironically, in the Ridley-Thomas for Supervisor t.v. ads and mailers, he trumpets the PPL's endorsement of his campaign, while making the same attacks against Parks that the union did in 2002.

"It’s really something when Mark Ridley-Thomas in the beginning always had said that Councilman Parks was a wonderful Chief, as we all have said. Now he’s saying that he di dn’t do a good job. That doesn’t make sense to me. That tells you about the man who’s now trying to run against Councilman Parks. Can he(Ridley-Thomas) get the job done? No. He’s(Ridley-Thomas) shown that he can’t get the job done," Johnson said in the video statement, which is one of the rotating videos on the home page of parksforsupervisor.com, under the "Leadership" section.

This is just the latest flip-flop for the so-called Democrat Ridley-Thomas, who has tried to paint fellow Democrat Parks as a Republican but, meanwhile, has spent thousands of dollars purchasing space on Republican campaign slates, with the money going into the campaign of Republican Presidential hopeful, Senator John McCain. On the other hand, Parks has run an inclusive campaign, like Senator Barack Obama, welcoming Democrats, Republicans and members of other parties.

Johnson is just one of a long and growing list of Parks endorsers that includes retiring Second District Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite Burke, former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina, The L.A. Times, The L.A. Sentinel, The L.A. Daily News and the L.A. Daily Breeze.

Parks Cleans Up Ridley-Thomas' Marlton Square Mess!

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:56:00 +0000

At the instruction of Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, the Community Redevelopment Agency-Los Angeles(CRA-LA) will now use about $26 million in funding managed by the City of L.A. to purchase the remaining commercial parcels of Marlton Square, a long-awaited shopping center development project that has stalled because of the troubles of developer, Chris Hammond. Hammond was handpicked by Parks' opponent in the race for the County Board of Supervisors Second District Seat, Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas.

The money became available when Hammond defaulted on his agreement with the city. And, after the City Council approved Parks' action Friday, he can move forward with the project, which will be in much better condition to draw a new developer.

"Today we are done with the missteps of the past regarding the commercial parcels," Councilmember Parks said. "We are looking forward reviving this project and making it a state-of-the-art shopping center."

Originally, Johnson Development-- A development company owned by Los Angeles Lakers basketball great Earvin "Magic" Johnson-- was slated to develop the land, located at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Marlton Avenue. But, after Ridley-Thomas, Parks' predecessor on the City Council, had a falling out with Johnson, Ridley-Thomas pushed Johnson out and awarded the deal to Hammond at a
$10 million increase to the city. Johnson's three-year involvement and investment in the project was all for not. Since then, the project has languished-- becoming an eyesore for the community.

Johnson officially endorsed Parks at the dilapitated Marlton Square site saying, "Unfortunately, Parks' predecessor, Mark Ridley-Thomas gave this project to a developer who couldn't deliever. Hopefully, with Parks' leadership a brighter future for the project lies ahead."

Though the city has acknowledged that Hammond has been removed from the commercial portion of the project, he still has some standing with the residential development portion. Hammond is currently involved in litigation surrounding fraud and conflict-of-interest allegations.

MRT Has Lots to Say About MTA But, What About Tyrone?

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:55:00 +0000

In a poor effort to divert attention from his relationship with troubled Services Employees International Union(SEIU) President Tyrone Freeman, Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas accused his opponent in the race for the Second District Seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, of wrongfully accepting more than $21,000 in campaign contributions from contractors who do business with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board(MTA)– a board of which Parks is a member.

But, the Senator’s plot backfired when it was revealed by Parks’ City Hall Office that the Councilmember was never close to violating the law. In a letter dated July 1, 2008 from the California Fair Political Practices Commission(FPPC) to a person connected to Ridley-Thomas’ campaign, General Counsel Scott Hallabrin wrote, “The information you provided is insufficient to establish a violation of the Act(Political Reform Act). Campaign contributions are not an economic interest under Section 87103(c) and would not pose a conflict of interest for an elected official.”

The fact that Ridley-Thomas knew that the complaint was considered flimsy by the FPPC and still decided to echo th is accusation is puzzling to say the least.

“It appears that Senator Ridley-Thomas is adding libel along to the other offenses that he and his buddy, Tyrone Freeman are reportedly piling up,” said Bernard C. Parks, Jr. who serves as Parks’ Chief of Staff. But, it seems that a libel charge is the last thing the Senator should be worrying about.

There are criminal investigations surrounding Ridley-Thomas confidant Freeman, whose spending practices are being probed by the United States Congress and Labor Department. Recently, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Compton City Attorney is currently investigating a property sale in that city to a housing corporation founded by Freeman.

Freeman and Ridley-Thomas have a long-term friendship and have especially been tied at the hip since the Senator launched his campaign in October of last year. It’s alleged that in the same month, Freeman started making millions of dollars of unauthorized deductions from the wages of the members of the Personal Assistance Services Council(PASC). PASC represents homecare workers, who just like the other union members who’ve reportedly fallen victim to Freeman, are among the poorest of the poor.

Just weeks ago, Ridley-Thomas attended an event that paid tribute to Freeman-- even as he faces possible time behind bars.

As Ridley-Thomas has tried to change the subject, he has not proposed any significant improvements that would enhance the quality of life for the residents of the=2 0Second District, and he was the ïnvisible man" during the state budget discussions which eventually led to his colleagues cutting $129 million in county services. Meanwhile, Councilmember Parks has been outspoken on his efforts regarding the creation of a County Surgeon General, the investigation of the ‘Grim Sleeper’ serial killer and our city and county’s graffiti abatement programs.

It also appears unlikely that the Senator will comment on the issues surrounding Freeman because he is apart of the union effort that has now dumped more than $7 million of its members’ dues into the Ridley-Thomas for Supervisor Campaign.

Parks aims for L.A. County Supervisor in the Second supervisoral Seat By Johnny M. Pecayo

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:52:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES , CA -- Bernard C. Parks who is serving his second term as

Los Angeles City Councilmember for the Eighth Council District, is

seeking an elective post for the Second Supervisorial Seat on November 4th.

David Ryu, a deputy at the Supervisor's Office, Second District,

facilitated the meeting in collaboration with host committee members

comprising of David Yim, Richard Kim, Eugene Hwang, Ji Lee, Peter Jung

Ekwan Rhow.

Among the Asian American leaders who attended to give Parks full

support, were: Billa Imada, charlie Woo, Dr. Mike Hong, Ralph Ahn, Joel

Jacinto, Susan Dilkes, charles Kin, Craig Ishii, Mariko Kahn, Dennis

Arguelles, Tiger Kang, Vaka Faletu,  Larry Lue, Dean Matsubayashi, Erina

Kwon, Adrienne Cedro-Hament, Mike Hernandez, James Kim, and Johnny

Pecayo, chairman of the Filipino American Leadership Council (FALCON)

Public Relations, a nationwide organization with over 50 different

organizations as members.

In an email blast released by Yey Coronel-Alcid, she wrote:  "This

event is more than just a fundraising event for Councilmember Parks in

his bid for the Second Supervisoral District.  It is an important

opportunity to gather the different sectors of the API community to

stand together and be heard as one huge voice and be seen as one body --

a political force to be reckoned with.  Let us all be part of the

momentum to prove that we can stand on a united front."

Councilmember Parks area of responsibility covers one of the most

densely populated areas in South Los Angeles, representing over 250,000

people.

When interviewed by the MANILA-U.S. TIMES, Councilmember Parks said

that with a bigger budget in the Supervisoral post, "I will be able to

serve my constituents better."

During his first year in office he was appointed Chair of the Budget

and Finance Committee and to the Coliseum Commission where he has led

the charge to return a National Football League team to the Los Angeles

Memorial Coliseum.

Currently, Councilmember Parks sits on the Public Safety Committee,

where he is committed to improving community safety for the constituents

in South Los Angeles.  It is Parks’ belief that public safety involves

preventing, reducing or containing the social and environmental factors

that negatively impact people's right to live without fear of crime.

In addition, Parks sits on the Claims Board, Ad - Hoc Stadium

Committee, Transportation Committee, Board of Referred Powers and the

Transportation Committee where he serves as Vice Chair.

Following the 2005 Mayoral election, he was appointed to the

Metropolitan Transportation Board of Commissioners by Mayor Antonio

Villaraigosa.

As Councilmember, Parks has implemented many programs to enrich the

South Los Angeles area including the Prevention Intervention and

Education (PIE) program at Crenshaw High School.  The PIE program works

to bridge the gap between black and brown students through various

school assemblies and noteworthy speakers.  Parks has also created an

annual Youth Jobs and Career Fair where at least 20 youths were

interviewed for jobs during its first year.

On the Council floor, Parks has been extremely successful in delivering

legislation that benefits his constituents in the 8th district,

including the temporary closure of the cul-de-sac at 84th Place and

Flower Street.  The cul-de-sac was a breeding ground for illegal

activity and was located in a residential area specifically impacting

families with small children.  In addition, Councilmember Parks

spearheaded the effort that ensured that a portion of the gasoline sales

tax revenues owed to the city were explicitly used to improve the

quality of life for motorists by directing $800,000 to pave five miles

of dirt alleys and $200,000 to construct 90 to 100 additional approved,

but unfunded speed humps. Parks also created a city-wide ordinance that

imposed regulations on the issuance of permits that included the

following businesses: automobile sales, auto repair shops, junk yards,

and recycling materials and processing facilities.

Following Southern Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2006, Parks led the

effort in helping evacuees find long-term housing.  As the FEMA voucher

deadline drew near, Parks worked with the City's Housing Department and

local landlords to construct a Rent Stabilization Ordinance.  This

Ordinance allowed L.A. landlords to temporarily charge reduced rent or

offer other rent concessions to eligible persons displaced by the

hurricanes.

Before being elected to the Los Angeles City Council, Parks spent 38

years as a police officer. Beginning his career with the police

department at a time when patrol cars were just recently integrated, he

rose through the ranks of one of the nation’s largest municipal law

enforcement agencies to become Chief of Police in 1997.

As Police Chief, Parks implemented some of the most rigorous police

reforms ever proposed in the history of the police department, including

the institution of an Officer Accountability Policy. Parks also made it

easier for the community to file complaints against problem officers by

streamlining the Citizen Complaint System. Under Chief Parks the City of

Los Angeles saw homicides fall by 45 percent, rape assault drop by

nearly 20 percent and robbery decline by over 45 percent.

In his more than 40 years as a public servant, Parks has remained

closely tied to his community. Aside from patrolling L.A.’s street as

a young officer, Parks dedicated many volunteer years to youth

activities in the district. He coached Baldwin Hills Youth Football for

10 years and mentored the likes of National Football League

Hall-of-Famer Warren Moon and many other kids who grew to become

successful community and business leaders. During his Hall-of-Fame

induction speech, Moon described Parks as “a guy who instilled values

in me at a very young age, showed me discipline and taught me hard work

and dedication”.  Parks and his wife, Bobbie, are involved in numerous

community groups, such as: the Challengers Boys & Girls Club, the Los

Angeles Urban League and the Brotherhood Crusade. He is also a life-time

member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

(NAACP). Recognized as a longtime voice for minority communities, in

 2006 Parks’ footprints were added to the International Civil Rights

Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Ga.

Bernard C. Parks received his Bachelor of Science degree from

Pepperdine University and his Master’s in Public Administration from

the University of Southern California (USC). He and Bobbie have been

married for 40 years and are the proud parents of four children:

Felicia, Michelle, Trudy and Bernard, Jr. The 8th Council District

includes the communities of Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Leimert Park , West

Adams, Jefferson Park , Chesterfield Square and other areas of South Los

Angeles.

His candidacy is gaining more and more support from political and

business leaders, among them is Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who officially

endorses him and vouches for his leadership and integrity as "the man

who is the right time, at the right place, and the right candidate for

the Second Supervisoral Seat."

Mark Ridley-"Republican?"

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:50:00 +0000

As the scandal-plagued Service Employees International Union(SEIU) launched its media campaign last night wrongfully accusing Councilmember Bernard C. Parks of being against rent control and condemning his support by Republicans, questions remain as to why Parks’ opponent, Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, purchased Republican slates for the primary election.

The slates, which the Ridley-Thomas campaign purchased for thousands of dollarts, promote anti-rent control measures and “Continuing the Republican Revolution” with messages from late former President Ronald Reagan, presidential candidate Senator John McCain and former California Governor Pete Wilson– all Republicans.

During a debate that aired on KPFK(90.7 FM) radio station Sunday, October 5th at 1 P.M., Senator Ridley-Thomas at first denied his affiliation with the “Republican Revolution” until Parks provided the documents that left no doubt. Once cornered, Ridley-Thomas showed off his super hero-like ability to ignore the issue.

When asked by the Times about his candidate’s role in the “Republican Revolution”, Ridley-Thomas Campaign mouthpiece Fred MacFarlane clumsily stated, "Well, I think, you know, we can appeal to Republican voters as the best choice for all the people in the 2nd District, notwithstanding any revolution."

Well said, Fred.

While Councilmember Parks embraces his support from members of both parties, it is ironic that the Ridley-Thomas campaign is sending out mixed messages about its candidate all while directly funding the presidential campaign of John McCain, the rival of the man Ridley-Thomas claims to support: Senator Barack Obama.

“This is just the latest about face pulled by the Ridley-Thomas campaign,”said Parks campaign spokesperson Jeannae Rouzan. “Ridley-Thomas has switched sides on everything from his support of Parks’ LAPD career to his support of Senator Gloria Romero’s bill on police disclosure to his new found love for the Los Angeles Police Protective League.”

In 2002, Ridley-Thomas penned an L.A. Times opinion piece entitled: "Parks Proved His Leadership". In it, Ridley-Thomas goes out of his way to praise Parks' accomplishments as Chief-- even mentioning that Parks deserved another five-year term at the helm of the department. The Ridley-Thomas-authored editorial seems to be in direct conflict with his sudden criticisms of Parks’ LAPD career.

Below are some other excerpts from the opinion piec e written by Ridley-Thomas:

* "Parks has confronted the issues of objectionable police tactics and street crime head-on..."

* "... his (Parks') work ethic is unmatched and his competence unparalleled."

* "Without a doubt, Parks is a proven leader..."

* "Parks has continued to push forward to create a new and improved LAPD."

* "Parks has taken the difficult stance of remaining true to providing leadership for change."

In fact, Ridley-Thomas felt so strongly about Parks' leadership that he included the opinion piece in a campaign mailer he used to run for the State Assembly. In the mailer, he accuses the union that represents LAPD officers, the Police Protective League(PPL), of: “historically resenting reform" and “engaging in a vicious attack campaign to fire our Chief Bernard Parks". Ironically, in Ridley-Thomas' mailers for his race for Supervisor, he trumpets the PPL's endorsement of his campaign, while making the same attacks against Parks that the union did in 2002.

More recently, Ridley-Thomas signed on to a bill authored by Senator Romero that, if approved, would increase media access to disciplinary hearings and records involving LAPD officers. However, after receiving the endorsement from the PPL and the Association for L.A. Deputy Sheriffs(ALADS), his name mysteriously vanished from the legislation.

“It’s no coincidence,” Rouzan said. “Mark merely changed his vote in exchange for the endorsements. That’s how backroom deals work. And, if you’ve been reading the paper lately he and his labor boss buddies at SEIU are masters of the backroom deal.”

CORRUPTION "ALIVE AND WELL" IN LOCAL UNION

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Here are some articles that outline the corruption in the local union that has caused Tyronne Freeman to resign. The articles connect the dots leading to my opponet; Mark Ridley Thomas.

5/3/2008

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/may/03/local/me-money3

8/9/08

http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-union9-2008aug09,0,1181719.story

8/12/08

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-union12-2008aug12,0,1469274.story

8/17/08

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-union17-2008aug17,0,6560591.story

8/21/08

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-union21-2008aug21,0,1600346.story

8/21/08

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/us/21union.html

8/22/08

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-county22-2008aug22,0,7206602.story

SEIU removes all officers of local chapter amid financial inquiry

SEIU spending scandal spreads to Michigan

Unions set to buy Supervisor seat this November

Councilmember Bernard C. Parks Launches HIV Testing Week at Nickerson Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:39:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES—Kicking off National HIV Testing Week in Los Angeles, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks will join Councilmember Janice Hahn and County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke in an effort to significantly increase the number of Los Angeles residents getting tested for HIV. The Call to Action and press conference will feature Emmy-nominated actress Gloria Reuben, who starred in the groundbreaking role of HIV positive nurse Jeanie Boulet on ER.

Free HIV and STD testing will be provided to residents of Nickerson Gardens and the surrounding Watts Community. The event is co sponsored by Minority AIDS Project and the Magic Johnson Foundation, and will be hosted by Jacquie Stephens of KJLH Radio.

This event is a key element of the City of Los Angeles’ HIV Testing Initiative, which is the largest municipal effort in the United States to call for implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing in Medical Settings, and the expansion of HIV testing in community-based settings. Through the Initiative, the City will significantly expand HIV counseling and testing by facilitating routine testing in medical facilities and throughout neighborhoods with a high prevalence of HIV infection.

Councilmember Parks noted, “We are committed to raising the call for quality healthcare and throughout Los Angeles’ most impacted communities.” “Access to quality healthcare includes access to routine HIV screening,” added City of Los Angeles AIDS Coordinator Stephen David Simon.

The goals of the Testing Initiative are threefold: facilitate an increase in public and private HIV testing to a level that will result in one million people in the City knowing their status by 2011; make HIV counseling and testing more routine and attainable, thereby also reducing the stigma associated with taking an HIV test; and increase identification of HIV positive individuals, resulting in earlier treatment and prevention of disease transmission to others.

Posted by the Bernard C. Parks for Supervisor Campaign

Councilmember Bernard C. Parks Joins Senator Barack Obama for a Fundraiser at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:36:00 +0000

On Tuesday, June 24, 2008 I joined Senator Barack Obama at his fundraiser at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion here in Los Angeles. This was his first visit to Southern California since being assured of the Democratic Presidential Nomination.

The event was attended by California Attorney General Jerry Brown, and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D- Los Angeles. Hollywood superstars such as Samuel L. Jackson, John Malkovich, Dennis Quaid, and Don Cheadle who introduced the Senator at the event were also in attendance. Supermodels Cindy Crawford and Heidi Klum were present to lend their support to the Senator as well.

This August I will be traveling to Denver, Colorado to attend the Democratic National Convention as an Obama Delegate. I am extremely excited to be a part of this historic occasion. I have been one of Senator Obama’s early supporters, and I’m looking forward to gearing up for Denver and then for November when we make him the next President of the United States!

Opponent Continues Divisive Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:31:00 +0000

In an LA Times article written by Jean-Paul Renaud and Garrett Therolf on Wednesday June 5, 2008, the cost of the campaign for my opponent and I were discussed.

“Parks said Wednesday that his campaign spent $900,000, while Ridley-Thomas reported spending $800,000 -- not counting the millions spent by special interest outside his campaign.”

The article continues with a quote from Bart Diener, who is the assistant to the president of Service Employees International Union, Local 721, "We didn't break the bank in the primary; we’ll spend whatever we feel it'll take."

The fact is; we were outspent by a six-to-one margin in an election that saw a 17% turnout. The opposition spent $97 for each vote it received. Put another way, they spent $5.5 million to receive 45% of 125,000 votes.

My opponent threw everything and the kitchen sink at my candidacy, and I am still standing today. The people of this district were turned off by Ridley-Thomas’ negative campaign tactics against me and now, the people want a campaign based on issues.

‘"The fact that Bernard Parks was a mere 5 percentage points behind someone who had five times the money indicates someone who has incredible strength," said Carol Schatz, president of the Central City Assn., a downtown business advocacy group. "I think the message came through in the end that special interest money -- should be objectionable to any community."’

The people of the 2^nd District demand that their next County Supervisor is someone who will put the needs of the citizens ahead of the needs of special interest groups.

I believe that all people of the 2^nd District need “active support,” including Union workers & Households, Small Business owners, Senior Citizens, Veterans, the infirmed, and Children. We cannot allow only one facet of our population to be served, there is too much to be done, too much at stake in this election to permit this to happen.

I ask for your continued support. Donations are needed now more than ever, so please visit our website at: http://parksforsupervisor.com/action/donate.php to donate.

We must have a Supervisor who will represent everyone’s best interests at heart. With your continuing support, I am confident I will be the next Supervisor of the 2^nd District.

Thank you,

Bernard C. Parks

The Campaign will Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:49:00 +0000

Dear Friends:

I want to thank you for your friendship and support during the Primary campaign for County Supervisor and hope to count on you for continuing support as we head to a November 5 runoff.

My opponent threw everything and the kitchen sink at my candidacy, and I am still standing today. The people of this district were turned off by Ridley-Thomas’ negative campaign tactics against me and now, the people want a campaign based on issues.

Issues like health care, including re-opening King/Drew Hospital, the economy, and public safety. With gas prices and food prices at an all time high, and gang violence on the rise, we need to talk about what we will do for the constituents of L.A. County.

While I was disappointed by the low voter turnout on June 3, I am not at all discouraged by the results. The fact is; we were outspent by a six-to-one margin in an election that saw a 17% turnout. The opposition spent $97 for each vote it received. Put another way, they spent $5.5 million to receive 45% of 125,000 votes. Given the intensity and focused effort of the opposition, and the extraordinary volume of personal attack mailers against me, I view that number as their ceiling and not their floor.

Voters in November will evaluate us – not by how many negative hit pieces we mail, but by how many thousands of district residents we will help rise from the depths of poverty and dependency to find jobs for themselves, and a future for their families

So I am excited by our prospects. I will work as hard as I possibly can over the next five months and will continue to pound home the issues. Again, I value your friendship and support and greatly appreciate all the help you have given me. In looking forward, I ask for your continued support. Donations are needed now more than ever, so please visit our website at: http://parksforsupervisor.com/action/donate.php

We must have a Supervisor who will represent your best interests at heart. With your continuing support, I am confident I will be the next Supervisor of the 2^nd District.

Gratefully,

Councilmember Bernard C. Parks' Amazing Race Continues!

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:30:00 +0000

These pictures are from Council member Bernard C. Parks' full day of campaigning (Amazing Race) for Supervisor.

Picture 1. Council member Parks and former USC and current Arizona Cardinal Quarterback Matt Leinart meet on the campaign trail in Culver City to attend the practice of a youth football league they brought to the community.

Picture 2. and Picture 3. Council member Parks rides the bumper cars at the Kiwanis Carnival in Hawthorne.

Picture 4. Council member Parks greets people in the early morning hours at a bowling alley in Westchester.

Picture 5. Current 2nd District Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite-Burke joins Parks on his campaign bus as they move from Koreatown to Culver City.

-Posted by the Bernard C. Parks for Supervisor Campaign

PROTECT OUR SENIORS!

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:54:00 +0000

JOIN ME, BERNARD C. PARKS, IN VOTING NO ON PROP. 98 & YES ON PROP. 99

PROP. 98 IS A DECEPTIVE INITIATIVE….DON’T BE FOOLED

I am supporting Proposition 99 and I am asking my supporters to vote No on Proposition 98. Here’s why:

In 2006, California voters rejected a ballot measure (Proposition 90) which would have significantly restricted the government’s power to take private property and would have also repealed rent control. Now the opponents of reasonable eminent domain regulation and rent control are back with Proposition 98. According to the Los Angeles Times, Proposition 98 crosses into the territory rejected by voters in 2006. It could open the door to lawsuits whenever a government agency zones in such a way that it raises the value of some properties and reduces the potential for others. That could jeopardize efforts to create open space or protect water quality. Proposition 98 will:

· Eliminate renter protections and rent control, putting our seniors and others in need at risk;

· Eliminate important environmental protection laws we need to combat global warming, and protect our land, air, water and coasts;

· Hurt our students by making it more difficult to relieve classroom overcrowding;

· Threaten our water supply by hindering long-range planning;

· Threaten California's businesses;

· Threaten California's public safety by making harder for law enforcement to address public safety issues; and,

· Hurt mobile home owners in many of the County’s mobile home parks.

Again, I urge you to vote NO on Prop. 98 and YES on Prop. 99.

For more information about Prop. 98, please visit the No On 98 website. Here is the link.

http://www.noprop98.org/

The Daily Breeze Endorses Bernard C. Parks for Supervisor

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:19:00 +0000

The endorsements keep rolling in! This morning The Daily Breeze has endorsed me, Bernard C. Parks for Supervisor of the 2^nd District. Below you will find the editorial in which the endorsement was announced.

Bernard Parks for Supervisor

Article Launched: 05/28/2008 09:54:46 PM PDT

Like most of those who have analyzed the nine-person race to succeed Second District Supervisor Yvonne Burke, we view the race as a duel between former Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard Parks and State Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas.

Both candidates have valuable experience and are well-versed on issues facing the county's Second District, which includes Carson, Gardena, Lawndale and Inglewood. What voters need to do is decide whose background is the better fit for the position of supervisor.

Ridley-Thomas, as a state legislator and former L.A. city councilman, certainly understands role of crafting legislation. As a former teacher and civil rights leader, he is skilled at bringing people together.

That said, however, our nod goes to Parks, who as a second-term L.A. city councilman has chaired the Budget and Finance Committee and the Coliseum Commission. The role of supervisor is not only to set policy in the county, but to oversee a massive bureaucracy populated by thousands of public employees. As L.A.'s former police chief, Parks has the experience of administering an agency of 13,000 people. Through his service as an elected leader, he has worked in tandem with organizations such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, National League of Cities and Southern California Association of Governments.

We're also persuaded that Parks would take a consistent and balanced view when dealing with labor-management issues. Ridley-Thomas has benefited from strong financial support from organized labor, while Parks draws support from businesses and the L.A. Chamber of Commerce. Parks, who opposed the city of L.A.'s effort to impose a living wage ordinance on hotels near Los Angeles International Airport, wants to be fair to employee unions in contract talks but rejects all-or-nothing approaches.

Like Ridley-Thomas, Parks favors new approaches for the county health care system and, in particular, returning King-Harbor Medical Center to a full-service hospital. Parks is open to the idea of an independent county health authority or an elected county surgeon general to manage the system.

On the subject of economic development, Parks would work to attract more market-rate housing and businesses other than fast food and auto-related enterprises.

And while Parks certainly has law-enforcement credentials, he would push for more youth services such as recreation, after-school and literacy programs to break the cycle of gang crime.

Parks' endorsements include elected officials from South Bay cities as well as outgoing Supervisor Yvonne Burke, former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan and L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn. We urge residents in the Second District to cast their ballots for Bernard Parks on Tuesday.

Parks Gets Council Majority in Bid for "Sup's" Seat!

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:58:00 +0000

Campaign Picks Up Key Endorsements With Strong Labor Support

Today(5/28) I, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, Candidate for Supervisor, gained the endorsements of the majority of my colleagues on the Los Angeles City Council. The endorsements were announced at a news conference outside of City Hall. In attendance were: Councilmembers Eric Garcetti, Jan Perry, Tony Cardenas, Janice Hahn, Tom LaBonge, Bill Rosendahl and Herb Wesson. Fellow supporter, Councilmember Greig Smith could not attend due to a previous engagement.

With the bulk of this latest string of endorsers having strong ties to labor, it seems my opponents' portrayal of me as someone who is not sensitive to unions, rent control or affordable housing is simply campaign rhetoric.

Today, we put an end to all the myths. My colleagues who endorsed me have all strongly and routinely supported the rights and needs of working men and women, and so have I. As Budget and Finance Committee Chair, I have voted for salary increases, and as an LAPD officer, I was a member of a union for 38 years.

"Bernard Parks is a man who doesn't tell you what you want to hear," said City Council President Eric Garcetti. "He is a man who tells you what you need to hear, and through his career with the police department and now with the City Council, he has proven that he has the courage to lead."

These endorsements add to the ongoing momentum of the Bernard C. Parks for Supervisor campaign. Yesterday I received the endorsement of the Los Angeles Times. And, just last week, Lakers Legend and entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson joined my team.

LA Times Endorses Bernard C. Parks for Supervisor!

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:29:00 +0000

Bernard Parks for the Board
The Times endorses in the race for the county's 2nd
Supervisorial District.

Many of you may already know, but it's definitely worth repeating, and worth passing along to your friends and co-workers, the Los Angeles Times has endorsed me, Bernard C. Parks, for Supervisor of the 2nd District. This comes as welcome news as we make our big push for the June 3rd election.

Here is the article in it's entirety.

The Times endorses in the race for the county's 2nd
Supervisorial District.

May 27, 2008

Of the nine candidates to succeed Yvonne B. Burke on
the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, two --
Bernard C. Parks and Mark Ridley-Thomas -- have the
ability and experience to make the most of the
position. In the hard-fought match between two
qualified candidates, The Times opts for Parks.

The career Los Angeles police officer and chief and
now second-term councilman has shown a steady hand
chairing the City Council's budget committee, and
would bring similar care to the much larger county
government. He has deep roots in South Los Angeles,
which forms the heart of the 2nd Supervisorial
District. As he has noted since entering political
life in 2003 -- to succeed Ridley-Thomas on the
council -- his career in the LAPD allowed him to
observe firsthand the results of government failure.
As a county supervisor, he would be well positioned to
correct those failures and make the government of the
nation's most populous county more effective and
efficient.

Parks also offers something rare in a candidate for
political office: He has administrative experience,
having been in effect the general manager of one of
the nation's best-regarded local law enforcement
agencies. Parks' term as chief was wracked by the
Rampart corruption investigation, but the corruption
that led to a federal consent decree happened before
he took over the LAPD. Critics properly challenged his
handling of the aftermath -- Parks sometimes
stubbornly resisted public and political scrutiny --
but acknowledged that he was untainted by the criminal
activity of disgraced officers.

Parks' views on business and economic issues generally
coincide with the market-based approach favored by
this page. But we note with concern the focus placed
on the business-versus-labor aspects of this race -- a
focus that comes primarily from business and labor
groups themselves. True, several prominent business
groups back Parks, and unions are largely with
Ridley-Thomas, but neither candidate is a
one-noteshill for interests that support him.
Ridley-Thomas, for example, has support from business
and development interests that appreciate the hard
work he has done in the City Council and in the
Legislature. He was instrumental in the recovery of
South Los Angeles after the Rodney King unrest, and
helped defuse potentially destructive tension with his
Days of Dialogue series. He established the
Empowerment Congress, which put his constituents more
firmly in command of their government resources.

For his part, Parks has shown tough-mindedness and
independence, holding his ground on issues involving
public employee contracts and resisting the council
stampede into such questionable areas as dictating a
special minimum wage for workers at hotels near Los
Angeles International Airport. As a frequent critic of
LAPD Chief William J. Bratton, Parks has been the
chief's nemesis, but he also has offered promising
hints of his supervisorial potential, namely his
defense of open records and proceedings, two areas in
which the LAPD today is less forthright than it was
under Parks.

More important, the demands of the position will
require the next supervisor to demonstrate
intellectual, legal and political skills that
transcend a right-left or business-labor approach. The
supervisor, with his board colleagues, must work to
break the chain of human misery that county government
is charged with resolving. He must be an independent
and flexible thinker unafraid to upset the status quo,
willing to upset managers, employees and interest
groups in the name of better serving the clients of
county departments such as Children and Family
Services, Probation and -- especially -- Health
Services. We are counting on Parks to resist the
county's tendency toward mediocrity.

Both Parks and Ridley-Thomas are up to the job. Either
would make a good county supervisor. Either, to be
fully effective, would need the support of his
constituents and even an occasional push, given the
secretive nature of county government and the
propensity of any elected official, once in office, to
conform himself to the contours of the job as it has
been conducted in the past. Either, when elected, is
likely to hold the post not just for the next four
years but for 12.

The Times gives the edge to Parks based on
hisexperience as a patrol officer, police chief,
manager and budget watchdog.

For previous Times endorsements in the June 3
election, visit
www.latimes.com/news/opinion/elections.

Making Magic... Together!

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:46:00 +0000

Lakers' Star and Entrepreneur, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Officially Endorses Bernard C. Parks

for Supervisor!

Thursday, May 22, 2008- Today, Lakers' legend and top businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson officially endorsed the candidacy of Councilmember Bernard C. Parks in his bid for L.A. County's 2nd District Supervisor's seat.

"Councilmember Parks has shown the courage to lead from his time as a police officer to his time as Chief of Police and now as a Councilmember," Johnson said. "I fully expect him to take his integrity and unparalleled work ethic with him to the Board of Supervisors."

Johnson compared Parks to Lakers' star guard Kobe Bryant. "In last night's Lakers game we saw Kobe Bryant play the role of closer and help his team win the game. Bernard Parks is the ultimate closer and the man our county needs to get things done."

Parks is grateful to add Johnson's name to a list of diverse key endorsements, including: current 2nd District Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite-Burke, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, First District Supervisor Gloria Molina, former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan and 5th District Supervisor Mike Antonovich.

“‘Magic’ is the ultimate double threat," Councilmember Parks said. "He has given so much to this city as the best point-guard in the history of basketball and now as the consummate businessman and mentor to our youth. It is an absolute honor and privilege to have his endorsement."

Parks points to Johnson's success in development as a steady inspiration as he looks to confront the housing and retail issues of the Second District. “‘Magic’s’ list of accomplishments in development is long and respected," Parks said. "If he had been allowed to continue his efforts at Marlton Square people would be shopping there today. Instead, it remains a dilapidated mess!"

Parks is referring to the shopping center located on the corner of Marlton and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Johnson's development company had been set to redevelop the shopping center, but Parks' predecessor on the Council; Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas pulled the project away from Johnson and gave it to developer Chris Hammond, whose questionable dealings have caused the once-promising project to flounder.

"Parks has once again displayed his leadership by uncovering the problems that exist at Marlton Square," Johnson said. "Unfortunately, Parks' predecessor, Mark Ridley-Thomas gave this project to a developer who couldn't deliver. Hopefully, with Parks' leadership a brighter future for the project lies ahead."

The election is June 3rd.

Response by the Governor Regarding Health Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Bernard Parks for LA County Supervisor) — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:37:00 +0000

I am pleased to report that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has responded to the letter I wrote to him on April 15th, regarding the Health Crisis that we are dealing with here in the 2nd District. You can read the letter I wrote to him here:

http://parksforsupervisor.com/pdf/Letter%20to%20Gov_1.pdf

I look forward to working not only with Governor Schwarzenegger, but also with local and county officials to find a lasting and sound solution to this crisis. A solution that will reopen Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital.

Bernard C. Parks