Proposal for Talking about Los Angeles: A dialogue with the next mayor

Proposal for

Talking about Los Angeles:A dialogue with the next mayor

A project of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project/Cerrell Associates Inc.

November 2011

Summary

In March 2013, voters in the City of Los Angeles will be asked to select its next mayor from a wide field of very qualified candidates. Many political observers believe this race will be one of the most interesting and important in the nation. The next Mayor of Los Angeles will face unprecedented challenges – a budget deficit of unmatched proportions, a failing state government, declining services and a fleeting base of businesses – large and small – upon which to build a vibrant city. In addition, voter apathy and a growing distrust of government likely means that a small percentage of the city’s voter base could determine the outcome of the election.

Voters should make a decision of this magnitude after a careful and thoughtful engagement on the issues – not solely on who spends the most on campaign ads and attack mailers or who can boast the greatest number of endorsements. This decision should be made on the issues, the candidates’ vision and the leadership skills necessary to take Los Angeles into the future.

The Plan

To that end, we propose a series of conversations – six over the course of the election cycle beginning in February 2012 and continuing through the early part of 2013 – devoted to important topics vital to the future of Los Angeles. Each conversation will be moderated by a recognized issue expert/opinion leader and candidates will be given the opportunity to express their ideas and discuss their vision for Los Angeles in 2013 and beyond. More than sound bites or clever debate tactics, this series is designed to be an honest exploration of the issues and will help shape the future of Los Angeles.

The events will be held at campuses throughout Los Angeles – proposed venues include the University of California—Los Angeles, Harbor College, California State University Northridge, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles Community College, and the University of Southern California – representing the geographic and community diversity that makes Los Angeles so unique.

Sponsors will be asked to partner with conversation organizers including the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) and Cerrell Associates, Inc. (CAI) – to help underwrite the effort.

Advisory Committee

Carol Schatz, Central Cities Association (CCA) Stuart Waldman, Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) Cheryl Parisi, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Stuart Kwoh, Asian Pacific Legal Center Bruce Saito, LA Conservation Corps Tracy Rafter, Los Angeles County Business Federation Arturo Carmona, Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM) Helen Torres, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Tom Saenz, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) Celeste Alleyne, Microsoft Lewis McAdams, Friends of the LA River Maria Casillas, Chief of School, Family, & Parent/Community Services, LAUSD Dan Schnur, Director, Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at USC Stuart Kwoh, Asian Pacific Legal Center Erin Glen, United Families Assoc. of Lunch Trucks Alejandro Menchaca, Latino Professional Network Gary Tobben, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Celeste Alleyne, Microsoft Marvin Martinez, Los Angeles Harbor College Pastor Charles Blake, West Angeles Church of God

Please note: Advisory Committee still in formation.

Conversation topics will include:

Transportation, goods movement and infrastructure

Environment, green technology, resource protection, energy policies

Quality of life issues – public safety, neighborhoods, city services

Business climate, job creation and the local economy

Education and workforce development

Envision LA – a general discussion about the future of Los Angeles

Dates and Venues

• Debate one: Los Angles Trade Tech • Transportation, goods movement and infrastructure: February 23, 2012.

• Debate two: Harbor Collegeo Education and workforce development: March 28, 2012.

• Debate three: CSUNo Quality of life issues- public safety, neighborhoods, city services: May 9, 2012.

• Debate four: LMUo Business climate, job creation and the local economy: November 13, 2012.

• Debate five: TBDoEducation and workforce development: January 13, 2013.

• Debate six: USCo Envision LA - a general discussion about the future of Los Angeles: February 21, 2013. **Dates subject to change

Key event components:

• Student Voter Registration or YouthVote drives at each campus leading up to the discussion events.

• Social Media – live blogging by student leaders and political pundits from the events, creation of series’ website, Facebook, Twitter feeds with links to campaign and candidate information as well as sponsors. Participants will be able to register for events online and post commentary about the events to foster additional on-line dialogue. The website will also host a regular blog tracking the mayoral candidates and their positions on the issues.

• Real time data captured by audience participants – allowing for immediate feedback on key issues which can be posted on the series’ website and shared with media.

• Sponsorship/broadcast of events by key media outlets.

• Event moderators will be thought/opinion leaders.

Sponsorship Packages

1. $50,000 - Platinum Event Sponsoro Top line logo placement on all event materials including backdrop behind candidates

during discussion, logo on all materials including website and printed collateral.o Corporate recognition by discussion hosts at the beginning and end of each event.o Corporate executive introduction of discussion host during at least one discussion event.o VIP reception with mayoral candidates and advisory board members at kick-off

discussion event.o VIP reserved seating for six at all events.o Opportunity to provide quotes for all media releases relating to events—pre- and post-

discussion media availability.o Distribution of corporate collateral materials at all events.o Opportunity to participate in voter registration efforts with SVREP and college student

organizations, if desired.o Opportunity to provide questions to be used by hosts during discussion events.o Advisory board membership.

Sponsorship Packages

2. $25,000 - Gold Event Sponsoro Second tier logo placement on all event materials including backdrop behind

candidates during discussion, logo on all materials including website and printed collateral.

o Corporate recognition by discussion hosts at the beginning and end of each event.

o VIP reception with mayoral candidates and advisory board members at kick-off discussion event.

o VIP reserved seating for four at all events.o Distribution of corporate collateral materials at all events.o Opportunity to participate in voter registration efforts with SVREP Voters and

college student organizations, if desired.o Opportunity to provide questions to be used by hosts during discussion events.

Sponsorship Packages

3. $15,000 - Silver Sponsor

o Third tier logo placement on event materials including website and printed collateral.

o VIP reception with mayoral candidates and advisory board members at kick-off discussion event.

o VIP reserved seating for two at all events.

o Distribution of corporate collateral materials at all events.

o Opportunity to participate in voter registration efforts with SVREP and college student organizations, if desired.

Sponsorship Packages

4. $10,000 - Bronze Sponsoro Logo placement on event materials, including website and printed collateral.o VIP reserved seating for two.o Distribution of corporate collateral materials.

Conclusion

The Southwest Voter Registration Education Project and Cerrell Associates Inc. are thrilled to bring this mayoral dialogue series to the Los Angeles community. The next Mayor of Los Angeles will have a significant impact on the future our of great city and we must ensure that the constituents of our city make the most informed decision. We hope you will consider becoming involved in this project through our sponsorship opportunities.

Contact April Popescu for more [email protected] / 323-466-3445