Los Angeles Mayoral Race: Wendy Greuel Wins Important Backing From LAPD Labor Union

Controller Wendy Greuel's campaign for mayor was endorsed Thursday by the Los Angeles Police Protective League. The union represents rank-and-file LAPD officers. Image: Wendy Greuel Campaign

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel scored a major endorsement Wednesday when she won the backing of the union that represents nearly 10,000 rank-and-file LAPD officers.

In past elections, the Los Angeles Police Protective League has made large, independent expenditures supporting political candidates in the city.  It spent more than $700,000 helping City Attorney Carmen Trutanich win office in 2009.

Union President Tyler Izen issued a statement that said: “Wendy recognizes the importance of putting public safety first while at the same time working on issues that people really care about, like creating jobs, fixing potholes and fighting waste, fraud and abuse in city government.”

The union chose Greuel — a former city councilwoman and currently the city controller — over her chief rival, L.A. City Councilman Eric Garcetti, and Councilwoman Jan Perry and attorney Kevin James.

Izen praised Greuel’s background “working in the private sector, both in a small family business and in a major studio in the entertainment industry, along with her knowledge and experience of serving our city as a Councilmember and as City Controller.”

Greuel immediately sent out her own statement: “I'll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles so we can keep neighborhoods across the city safe.  I look forward to partnering with our city’s police as Los Angeles’ next mayor to reduce crime in our city. I am honored to have their support.”

A spokesman for Garcetti would not comment directly on the union's endorsement, but touted the councilman's work on public safety in his 13th district that stretches from Hollywood to Silver Lake.

"Eric will be an independent prolem solver for Los Angeles," said spokemsan Jeff Millman. "He has worked to lower violent crime in his district by more than 60 percent,  and he will continue to work with rank and file police officer to lower crime citywide."

-----Frank Stolze, 89.3 - Southern California Public Radio