To the editor: In the wake of former City Councilmember Jose Huizar’s corruption scandal and the prolonged apologies from ex-Councilmember Kevin de León, many folks in District 14 were hopeful that Councilmember Ysabel Jurado would be the change they were yearning for—a City Hall outsider with a solid background as a tenants’ rights attorney.
However, an early decision she made, bringing on lobbyist Lauren Hodgins as her chief of staff, has quickly dampened those expectations.
Jurado may not have accepted campaign donations from developers, but there’s a growing concern that they might have an influence within her office while she’s getting accustomed to the workings of City Hall.
Some might argue this is merely a rookie mistake from someone new to the political arena. Yet, given District 14’s history, there’s a fear that this might be a strategic attempt by developers and other interest groups to revive the old days of backroom deals in Northeast L.A.
Ken Walsh, Los Angeles
