City Council Election Day: The Insider vs. The Newcomer

Councilman Tom LaBonge’s chief of staff will try today to win the the Fourth District City Council seat being vacated by her boss, but she is facing spirited opposition from a health center public affairs director.

Carolyn Ramsay is the better-known candidate around City Hall, having long served as LaBonge’s field deputy and chief of staff. She also has the backing of Mayor Eric Garcetti and most sitting members of the council.

But David Ryu made a surprisingly strong showing in the March primary election and won the backing of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. He would be the first Korean American to serve on the council.

Ryu has carried the torch of the political outsider, cashing in on popular themes of rejecting campaign donations from developers and accusing LaBonge of misusing discretionary funds. His website notes that he has “never been part of the crowd at City Hall,” although he served as a deputy to former county Supervisor Yvonne Burke.

He said he wants City Hall to be more responsive to residents.

Eric Bauman, chairman of the county Democratic Party, said Ryu “will fight for working men and women, advocate for our shared Democratic values and stand up for residents of the Fourth Council District.”

The Ramsay campaign has dismissed such proclamations as campaign stunts aimed at grabbing headlines. Ramsay has touted herself as an experienced leader familiar with the inner workings of City Hall. She has also pushed for the creation of a Hollywood Innovation Zone to attract entertainment and tech jobs.

Ramsay is also pushing to ensure infrastructure repairs that require tearing up streets and sidewalks are better coordinated.

In announcing his endorsement, Garcetti extolled Ramsay’s “15 years of experience and track record of bringing residents, local businesses, and community leaders together to solve problems and protect the character of our neighborhoods.”

“I know Carolyn and have seen her work at City Hall,” Garcetti said. “I know she will do things her own way and bring new ideas to the City Council.”

The Fourth District stretches from Sherman Oaks, through Hollywood and Griffith Park and into the Hancock Park and Miracle Mile.

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City News Service

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