August 09, 2007 @ 6:36 pm

LA Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa: Q&A

Chris Yuscavage

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The Mayor of Los Angeles speaks on the upcoming presidential election.

What's the most important issue in this upcoming election?
Next year, the American people will make what I believe will be the most important electoral decision of our lifetimes. We will choose whether to perpetuate the disastrous policies of the last six years that have brought us war, division, debt and diminished expectations, or whether to choose a new course and a brighter path. We need to elect someone with the strength, the experience, and a proven record of results that can see this country's future with clarity and sense of purpose. We must come together as a nation and begin building a future that affords every child in America the same opportunity to reach their God-given potential. How important is it to be involved in the political process? Grassroots? Voting, writing letters, etc.?
It is critically important to participate in a process that affects all aspects of your life, from local quality of life issues such as parks and potholes, to national issues, such as social security and immigration. Never doubt the power that you have to influence decisions. Politicians respond to the public, and the more we hear from the public, the better we can serve. As one of the most influential Latino politicians, what is your take on the immigration bill that has been the source of so much debate in Congress?
I am waiting to see what final form it will take, but any solution needs to be fair and comprehensive. We need to strengthen border enforcement, coordinate more intelligently with our neighbors, penalize employers who profit, and provide a pathway to permanent status for the 12 million people working here provided that they learn English, pay a reasonable fine and play by the rules.

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