Assembly Hopefuls Say They'll Improve Traffic, Education, Economy

Candidates competing for a seat in the newly redrawn met Wednesday at Beverly Hills City Hall, offering varied views on ways to mitigate traffic congestion, improve education and reduce unemployment.

Betsy Butler, who currently represents the 53rd Assembly District, Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom, Torie Osborn, a community organizer, nonprofit executive and former adviser to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Brad Torgan, an attorney and the lone Republican in the race, met at a candidate forum sponsored by the Beverly Hills Municipal League.

The candidates took written queries from the audience. Many of the questions revolved around improving transportation options and the economy.

To improve the flow of Westside traffic, Bloom called for a strong commitment at the state level to urban planning aimed at reducing the need for car trips.

"We need only look back as far as 'carmageddon' to realize that when we put our minds to it if there's a reason for us to reduce our driving, we can do it," Bloom said. "When we start looking at comprehensive planning, the objective is to build housing and businesses close to transit so that people can walk to the transit stations and so they can walk to the store."

Butler highlighted what she described as her strong commitment to improve education.

"We need to open as many doors for as many kids as possible," she said, emphasizing the need for more financing and improved curriculum in the areas of math, science, technology, the arts and physical education as well as vocational training.

In response to a question about job training and retraining programs aimed at reducing California's 12 percent unemployment rate, Torgan called on the state to improve its business climate.

“Until our state's businesses get more certainty and a rational tax structure ... the jobs are not going to be created, and job training is going to be for naught,” he said.

Osborn responded to a question about campaign finance and voter confidence in elected officials by calling for a revamp of political fundraising laws. She criticized the influence of political action committees and big-money donors at all levels of government.

"The power of money in politics is distorting and it is corrupting. Ultimately we need public financing in elections ... and much more transparency,” Osborne said.

Bloom and Torgan expressed vocal opposition to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's plans for a that tunnels under Beverly Hills High School, a stance that cheered many in the audience.

Every 10 years the law requires government redistricting at the local, state and federal levels. The new 50th District, which formerly consisted of cities in southern Los Angeles County, is now made up of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu and other Westside areas.

The forum will be broadcast on Beverly Hills Television 10 Monday at 7 p.m., April 11 at 5 p.m., April 13 at 3 p.m., April 16 at 3:30 p.m., April 24 at 9 p.m. and April 26 at 6 p.m. The event video will be archived on the Beverly Hills city website on Monday under the "Video on Demand/Town Hall" section.

The primary election is June 5, and the general election is Nov. 6.

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