Mayor James Hahn and Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa both picked up endorsements this afternoon, as they begin the second phases of their campaigns. City Controller Laura Chick threw her support behind Villaraigosa, citing his commitment to fiscal responsibility. “The people who live and work in our city deserve a strong, courageous and principled mayor. Antonio is that kind of leader,” Chick said. “Antonio knows that the tone for ethical behavior starts at the top. He will be a partner to fight waste and fraud in our government, and I am proud to stand with him.” Villaraigosa has supported creating a waste and fraud unit in the Controller’s office. “As the Controller’s office creates savings and efficiencies, we will be able to use that savings to hire more police officers, fight to create smaller schools and class sizes, and build the state-of-the-art transportation system we need so badly,” Villaraigosa said. Hahn picked up the endorsement of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce after its board voted to support the mayor. “Mayor Hahn has shown he has what it takes to lead this city,” said Chris Martin, chair of the board. “L.A.’s business climate has improved over the last four years, and Jim Hahn deserves much of the credit and a second term as mayor.” “My focus has been on making Los Angeles the safest big city in America, and I’m proud that Los Angeles’ business community understands the link between public safety and the economy,” Hahn said. “I’ve worked with the Los Angeles Area Chamber on lowering crime, cutting business taxes and training our workforce. I am proud we will be continuing our partnership over the next four years.”
