Prod for Civic Debate

Los Angeles’ mayoral election this April is beginning to look interesting.

Officially announcing Sunday that he will challenge Mayor Richard Riordan, state Sen. Tom Hayden, a man who once epitomized the radicalism of the 1960s, offers an agenda so ideologically eclectic it defies easy political categorization. But it’s safe to say that voters would have a clear-cut choice in deciding between the former student radical, now a millionaire, and the incumbent, a businessman and even bigger millionaire.

Promising a “more livable, more peaceful and more just” Los Angeles, the 57-year-old Hayden--a co-founder in 1961 of the Students for a Democratic Society--sketched the outline of his campaign platform. It includes reform themes sounded during his failed gubernatorial campaign, including bringing decision-making power closer to neighborhoods and reforming the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Since Riordan too says he is for bringing decisions closer to the people and reforming the MTA, it’s not in the definition of the city’s problems but in the solutions proposed that the candidates’ stark differences will become evident.

Hayden may not be Riordan’s only opponent--Councilman Nate Holden says he is considering a third run for the office. But Hayden’s history and his wealth may make him better able to challenge and debate the issues of the day with Riordan. Sure, the MTA is full of woe, but what, realistically, can and should the election winner do about it? Where does Los Angeles need to go, and how can a mayor--surrounded by a powerful and often opposing City Council--take us there? Let the debate begin; the city will be the better for it.