| Written by Sentinel News Service, on 06-18-2009 00:00 |
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 Steve Bradford
Gardena City Councilmember Steve Bradford announced the official launch of his campaign to represent the people of the 51st Assembly District. Councilmember Bradford seeks to succeed state Senator Curren D. Price, Jr. in the Assembly.
Former Assembly member Price took office to represent the state's 26th Senate District, which left a vacancy in the 51st Assembly District. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will announce a date for a special election to choose a new representative for the 51st Assembly District.
In formally announcing his candidacy, Councilmember Bradford said facing up to the enormous budget challenges caused by the state's fiscal crisis, aiding small business, creating jobs, protecting working families and preserving healthcare services for the people of the 51st District would be his top priorities when he is elected to the state Assembly.
"I am working daily with South Bay business leaders to maintain a positive environment for business growth," Councilmember Bradford said. "Economic growth is difficult given the severity of our recession. It is important for those of us in leadership positions at the state and local levels to work cooperatively to attract new businesses and retain existing companies. Local residents have been hit by layoffs. They need jobs. They need training for new careers.
"Providing incentives for small businesses is one step we can take to further economic development and encourage businesses to create new jobs," he said. "We cannot afford to lose major South Bay employers like Nissan North America which moved its U.S. corporate headquarters to Tennessee."
As part of his campaign for Assembly, Councilmember Bradford has pledged to work closely with L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas on the county's proposal to open a new Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in partnership with the University of California to provide emergency room services and inpatient care to uninsured residents in the 51st District. He previously worked with officials at RFK Hospital and Centinela Pediatric Center in an effort to help keep their medical facilities operating in the South Bay.
"I want to ensure that the people in the 51st District have access to quality, affordable healthcare," Councilmember Bradford said. "I want our children to attend quality schools. I want our residents to live in neighborhoods where their streets are safe from crime and violence. I intend to bring the voice of the people to the State Capitol in Sacramento and do the hard work they need done. My years of experience in local government will enable me to hit the ground running on a series of critical initiatives."
Councilmember Bradford supports plans to provide free health care to every child in California under the age of 19. He has fought for safeguards to prevent hospitals and critical medical facilities from closing their doors, leaving local residents to search well beyond their neighborhoods and communities for essential health and medical services.
Councilmember Bradford has worked to secure added funding for South Bay schools to reduce class sizes, purchase textbooks and increase education al resources for the classroom teachers. He fought to provide more public money for teacher professional development and training programs.
Councilmember Bradford is serving his fourth four-year team on Gardena's City Council. He has been a four-time Mayor Pro Tem in more than 12-years on the city council. In March 1997, he became the first African American to be elected to represent the people of Gardena on its city council. Last update: 06-17-2009 14:59
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