Krekorian Declares Early Victory for District 2 Seat

Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, surrounded by friends and family at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, declared victory in his race for the Second District Tuesday night.

Only two hours after polls closed, it was pretty clear that incumbent Krekorian was far ahead of local businessman Augusto Bisani, winning by more than 75 percent in early returns.

With 98 percent of the district voting reporting, Krekorian was leading with 76 percent (10,340 votes) to Bisani's 24 percent (3,227 votes).

"Fifteen months ago, the voters of Council District 2 sent a powerful message that was heard throughout Los Angeles when they rejected special interest domination and demanded community empowerment and true reform in the halls of power," Krekorian said. "It has been my privilege to be their voice and their advocate in City Hall, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together in the short time since that election."

Krekorian spoke of his childhood roots in the Valley, and addressed concerns for the future.

“When I was growing up, the San Fernando Valley was the place that was seen as the model suburb for the United States," he said, "I’m concerned that people in the Valley don’t feel like they have that anymore. They don’t have that quality of life, they don’t have that opportunity." 

Krekorian said that his job was about “restoring people’s confidence that government can work, that government listens, that government is here to serve the needs of the people.”

Krekorian replaced Studio City resident Wendy Greuel in the city council seat when winning a hard-fought election in December 2009 which was vacated when Greuel won the City Controller spot.

Among his accomplishments, Krekorian points to his pushing legislation that created more than 5,000 jobs by giving local businesses preferential treatment when bidding for contracts with the city; and persistently calling for reforms in the Department of Water and Power; and retaining the funding and vitality of neighborhood empowerment, such as neighborhood councils.

Krekorian had a lot of support from the very active Studio City Neighborhood Council, and in fact, two members of the council—council president John Walker and former member Michael McCue—actually ran against him the first time around.

Patrick I. Butler, the assistant chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, was in attendance at the Sportsmen's Lounge Wednesday night. Butler said that the LAFD had an excellent working relationship with Krekorian.

"He’s been a huge contributor to the San Fernando Valley," said Butler, "It’s really refreshing to see a council member that takes such an active interest in his community, as well as public safety”.

Krekorian also is credited with questioning the rush to create a new Los Angeles football league franchise with a new stadium for downtown.

Krekorian added, "Tonight, the people again have spoken clearly and have restated their demand for reform, accountability and effectiveness. I am honored that by giving me this overwhelming victory, the voters of my district have validated the work that my staff and I have done and the vision that we have for the future.  But there is much more work to be done and the road ahead will not be easy.”

The councilman’s district encompasses most of Studio City and includes Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood and north to Sunland.

Krekorian spoke in the past few weeks at chamber of commerce meetings and civic groups like the Studio City Residents Association and warned of painful budget cuts necessary by the city.

 He echoed those concerns in his acceptance speech, saying, “The city's unprecedented budget crisis will force its government and its people to make very difficult choices in the months ahead.  Above all else, though, our most important and perhaps most difficult mission is to solve the crisis of confidence in our city government.”

He added, “That mission is one that I remain committed to accomplishing, with the continuing support and partnership of the people of the San Fernando Valley."

Krekorian, his wife and three children, were at the rally in the local landmark, and called the victory early so everyone could get to bed.