Hahn’s dedication gets the job done

With less than two weeks until the March 8 mayoral primaries,
some new restrictions have been imposed on the staff, interns and
volunteers at the Hahn for Mayor Campaign headquarters.

Each able body must spend at least two hours phone-banking or
calling various Angeleno households to solicit support for Mayor
Jim Hahn before attending to their regular duties. Last Tuesday, I
put in my two hours calling several different neighborhoods in San
Pedro.

To my surprise, I found myself talking to the mayor’s
neighbors and friends. “Oh, Jim Hahn. Yeah, he’s my
neighbor. I saw him the other night at the market with the kids. Of
course I’m supporting him. Look what he’s done for this
city. It’s amazing. Aside from that, he’s just
marvelous ““ a real gentleman.” Almost everyone
agreed.

These people knew him not just politically, but personally.
Their candor about his character had more impact than a thousand
generous endorsements. These brief conversations helped further
validate why I am spending every waking moment at Hahn
headquarters, sacrificing my own recreation.

Not only is Hahn an outstanding civil servant, but he’s
also a wonderful human being who genuinely cares about the people
of Los Angeles. You can tell.

Two years ago, I began interning at the Mayor’s Office of
Economic Development. It was tough work. From 8 a.m. to noon I was
busy working on several measures, such as Teamwork LA and LA Stat,
which help to create more transparency and efficacy within city
government.

These subtle measures were two of many that have a highly
significant impact on the maintenance and health of the city. In a
sense, they are a metaphor for the man who enacted them.

Mayor Hahn, although passive in character and kind in nature, is
a powerhouse politician whose foundation in practicality and
patience has left an indelible impression upon Los Angeles. For
more than 20 years, Hahn has been serving this city, accepting no
other appointments in a state or federal capacity because of his
dedication to Los Angeles ““ because of his dedication to his
hometown.

When Hahn was elected city attorney in 1985, he used his power
to curb gang violence and pioneered the concept of sentencing
slumlords to live in their own buildings. After almost 16 years of
maverick leadership as city attorney, he was elected mayor and
immediately began working to turn around a high crime rate and
enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Almost four years later, Los Angeles is healthier, cleaner,
safer, more dynamic and, most importantly, one of the most
progressive and positive municipal examples in the nation. And,
amazingly, it’s getting better.

Aspects of this city are improving daily. Violent crime is down
20 percent. More police officers are on the street. Programs such
as L.A.’s BEST have expanded to provide thousands of children
a fun and safe after-school environment.

For college students, Hahn piloted the Cash for College program,
which has helped over 20,000 students and their families, including
myself, to gain access to financial aid and grant opportunities.
Hahn also created a $100 million trust fund, the largest in the
nation, to help finance new affordable housing.

Jim Hahn’s record on the environment is impressive, as
recognized by such notable foundations as Heal the Bay, a Southern
California coastal cleanup organization. Under his leadership, most
city vehicles have been converted to compressed natural gas or
hybrid fuel-efficient vehicles.

Even in its condensed form, this list represents a man whose
vision and mission for Los Angeles exceeds most expectations.

As the maxim goes, the record speaks for itself. Personally,
I’ve seen him speaking to his constituents, his friends,
family and children, and every word is full of sincerity and
conviction.

So I trust that when a promise is made to improve city housing,
assist the homeless or increase job opportunities, it will be
honored as a pledge to himself. That’s just the kind of guy
he is.

Garakian is a third-year political science student.