jdraiman's  Instablog

My name is YJ Draiman and I am running for Mayor of Los Angeles 2013

Our current economic crisis is the number one concern of every American. It is time we exercise our constitutional right.
It is a government by the people for the people. It makes no difference whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or any other political affiliation. It is time American citizens take control of their destiny and country starting from the city government to the county, state and the federal government. All elected officials must be accountable to their community and its residents. Our current budget crisis was brought about by the current administration, do you want this to continue and lose city services. I am a soldier in the battle to restore fiscal sanity for our city, improve the economic well being of the city of Los Angeles and the welfare of all residents.
Capitalism has not failed. The people in charge of the economy have failed Capitalism! Career politicians, who disguise themselves as representatives of the people, have hijacked capitalism.
Enough is enough; we need to replace as many incumbents as possible, the changing of the guards must be implemented and the political machine dismantled, business as usual must stop here and now, government treasury should not be the personal piggy bank of the politicians.
We need new representatives in our government, representatives whose allegiance is to the residents of their city and its districts, representatives who care about Los Angeles surviving the current economic crisis and becoming better for it.
We must reduce big government - The bigger the government the less efficient it is.
Our energy consumption is growing rapidly; we must produce a hundred percent of our energy needs in our own country.
We have the work force and technology, let us utilize it; we must actively encourage new businesses, create more jobs and stabilize the economy.
Government cannot create jobs. Government should be reduced by at least fifty percent, streamline government, enact laws, rules, regulations and taxation that are friendly to small business. Encourage and promote investment in our economy and workforce.
This economic crisis is a national emergency.
People are losing their jobs and homes, they cannot feed their children, and we must establish a mechanism similar to the Manhattan project of World War 2, with an all out genuine national effort to resolve the current economic crisis, which threatens to destroy our country.

As a unified and cohesive force, we can overcome our economic crisis, but we must work together for our common good and our children's generations.
Transparency and accountability is my motto.

YJ Draiman for Mayor

http://yjdraimanformayor.org

Los Angeles Economic Recovery is not increased taxes - YJ Draiman

In short, the key to Los Angeles economic recovery is not an increase in taxes and fees. Rather, true long-term recovery will rely on the increase of efficiency and productivity; the reduction of bureaucracy; and the promotion of businesses and employment. All of which will instill confidence in our economy, generate greater revenues for the city of Los Angeles and other governmental entities.

American confidence in government is at an all time low. We no longer have the same level of faith in our institutions and leaders that we once had. Consequently, we are seeing a continued erosion of our outlook on the future. This outlook must change by initiating a massive and sound education program that produces innovation and technology.

We have an opportunity to jumpstart our economy, protect our environment and put our city on the path toward energy security through greater use of our domestic energy production such as natural gas. Our domestic energy production can serve as a foundation for our energy and economic independence. This path will enable us to develop the required innovation and production of other forms of energy sources.

To realize a course toward energy and economic security we must do what is necessary to instill confidence in the responsible development of our energy sources. We can use natural gas as a solid foundation on which to develop extensive R&D in renewable energy sources, and the efficient means to operate and maintain the mechanisms needed for such use.

Improving our educational system is the key to our economic survival. In a global, knowledge-driven economy, there is a direct correlation between engineering education and innovative progress. Our success or failure as a city will be measured by how well we do in providing the needed educational tools to promote innovation in all fields.

Leadership is not a birthright. Despite what many Americans believe, our city does not possess an innate knack for greatness. Greatness must be worked for and won by each new generation. Right now that is not happening. However, we still have time. If we place the emphasis we should on education, research and innovation, we can lead the world in the decades to come. Nevertheless, the only way to ensure we remain great tomorrow is to increase our investment in science and engineering today. In addition, we must invest in trade schools to train our future workers in the new and old technology.

We have to learn how to balance the need of the people vs. the need to protect the environment. Any extreme to either side is not good.

In today's fast moving technologies, government as well as companies must learn to adjust and maneuver quickly to keep pace, or they will be out of business or incur deteriorating revenues and infrastructure. We must learn how to stay competitive and resourceful to survive and thrive economically.

I submit: Leadership by example. I plan to cut waste, maximize productivity, reduce bureaucracy, increase efficiency and conservation in all city departments and assets, eliminate duplicating tasks and reward excellent performance and innovative methods of job performance. In addition, we have to use the Neighborhood Council's more effectively; they are the eyes and ears of all the communities in Los Angeles. These are hard economic times; we must all put our shoulder to the task.

We must put all our differences aside and work together in harmony for the good of the people and the city of Los Angeles. Your vote for me will be one more step in this positive direction and it will be a win for all the people in LA.

YJ Draiman for Mayor

http://www.smartvoter.org/2013/03/05/ca/la/vote/draiman_y/

http://bit.ly/draimanformayor2013 youtube

http://yjdraimanformayor.org

"In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now."

"Voter apathy was, and will remain the greatest threat to democracy."

YJ Draiman for Mayor of LA Opening Statement - 2013

I stand before you today at a time when our city's is in dire financial and economic crisis

I have lived for over 6 decades and have experienced many economic crises, but this is the worst.

In my humble opinion as the people of the city of Los Angeles, you have the right and are entitled to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about your government and the true state of the city's financial and economic crisis.

In order to solve a problem, you have to admit that there is a problem and the extent of the problem; otherwise, you will not be able to address the problem with a proper and dignified solution.

No politician to date has informed the people of Los Angeles how dire and critical is our financial and economic situation. The politicians are trying to minimize the extent of our fiscal crisis.

Let me tell you it is far worse than anyone can imagine. If the people of LA were to be shown all the true financial figures with realistic potential revenue generation and the future increased expenses.

The city of Los Angeles would have a deficit of at least 4 billion dollars over the next 5 years, starting fiscal year 2013.

That means if the people of Los Angeles feel a reduction in core services now, the situation will get much worse over the next 5 years with a real potential of Municipal Bankruptcy.

LA is larger than many countries and has a greater number of people.

I propose a solution to start the day I take office as a mayor on July 1, 2013.

http://yjdraimanformayor.com