| NEWS ADVISORY For Immediate Release January 6, 2021 | Contact: Bill Carrick 323 469 1592 [email protected] |
After more than 7 years in City Hall as President of the Board of Public Works, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Television Production, and Chief of Legislative Affairs, long-time attorney Kevin James has entered the race for Los Angeles City Attorney. The election is in 2022.
As President of the Board of Public Works, Kevin marshaled five city departments to respond to homelessness, build electric vehicle infrastructure, protect water quality, implement the historic raise of L.A.’s minimum wage, and provide critical city services uninterrupted throughout the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. For the second half of 2020, Mayor Eric Garcetti asked Kevin to join the Mayor’s Office as the Chief of Legislative Affairs to work on police reform, COVID response funding, labor issues, and homelessness during the pandemic.
Recognizing Kevin’s leadership during his tenure as President of the Board of Public Works, Mayor Garcetti and the City Council expanded the Board of Public Works’ portfolio to include the new Office of Petroleum and Natural Gas Administration and Safety, the new City Forest Officer, the new Climate Emergency Mobilization Department, and the new Office of Film and Television Production — whose work supporting entertainment jobs in L.A. was led personally by Kevin.
Kevin also served as the City’s liaison to the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission in connection with the City’s bids for sporting events including the NBA All-Star Game, the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, and the U.S. Open Golf Championship.
Upon announcing his candidacy, Kevin said: “Like so many Angelenos, I came to LA in search of a community that would accept me as I am and where I could contribute to its success. Los Angeles is that special place. Only months ago Los Angeles was the envy of the world. And then the pandemic struck. The problems we face today are serious, but they can be solved. I will bring a new, innovative approach to the complex legal issues our City faces. I hope to earn your support along the way.”
Among those offering statements of support for Kevin’s work on behalf of the City of Los Angeles are Mayor Eric Garcetti, Sergio Rascon with LiUNA Local 300 and Thom Davis of IATSE Local 80.
“Kevin’s drive and love for people has made him a remarkably effective public servant and problem-solver — and it’s been a pleasure to work with him these past seven years. We’ve seen up close how infrastructure and services can make a powerful difference in Angelenos’ lives. I’ll miss his steady hand and joyful approach, and I am not at all surprised that he is looking at new ways to serve.” Mayor Eric Garcetti
“I’ve worked with Kevin since 2013. He has always demonstrated a clear understanding of our issues, and is a proven supporter of working men and women. Our members have appreciated Kevin’s open-door policy and his focus on fairness and job creation.” Sergio Rascon, Business Manager, Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 300.
“Local 80 is proud to support Kevin James in his race for Los Angeles City Attorney. We have worked closely with Kevin since 2013 in his role as President of the Board of Public Works and, most importantly, as Mayor Garcetti’s liaison to the entertainment industry. Kevin has been a tireless crusader for the entertainment industry. He played an important role in securing the California Film and Television Tax Credit program in 2014 and in maintaining it in the years since. Throughout that time he never lost sight of the rights of the workers in the entertainment industry and has been a vocal and strong champion.” Thom Davis, Business Manager, IATSE Local 80.
As City Attorney, Kevin’s priorities will include: LA’s Covid 19 response; homelessness and affordable housing; police and criminal justice reform; public safety; racial and gender equality; climate change; economic opportunity and job creation.
More information about Kevin’s campaign is available at www.kevinjamesforcityattorney.com