This news comes from the O'Farrell campaign. Although we received a commitment of answers to questions from John Choi, the other candidate for City Council District 13, he has not responded to our contact via email and Facebook. 

Friday was an inspirational day for the O'Farrell campaign. Community leaders at all levels came together to support Mitch.

In a press conference on the steps of City Hall, three highly-respected L.A. City Councilmembers told the world—in no uncertain terms—that Mitch O’Farrell is the choice for District 13.

Councilmember Bill Rosendahl (District 11) said Mitch "looks at an issue, he talks to the people. I've been in the District, I've seen the love and sensitivity toward him for being a good Field Deputy, ten years working real hard… He's equipped, he's experienced, he knows what he's doing… The guy who's worked in the community, who knows the community, who's been positive in the community, is going to win, and that's Mitch."

Councilmember Bernard Parks (District 8) said, "He's well-prepared, he's lived in the community, and I just would like to reemphasize the issue of integrity. If he gives his word, he will follow through. I think it's important that we distinguish what he's accomplished and that you can go out and touch it, see it, smell it, as opposed to what people may promise they would do if given the opportunity. I think we need to invest in an individual who has invested in the city.”

Councilmember Tom LaBonge (District 4) then delivered some forceful words: “This young man right here has a great heart, has a great mind… The only dirt you're going to see on his hand is the dirt he's going to clean up in neighborhoods…He knows the District, he knows the people...”

While the tone of the press conference was decidedly upbeat, Councilmembers Park and LaBonge sternly admonished the opposing campaign for false allegations and other acts of desperation.

Other notables praised Mitch as well, including Scott Suh, Korean community leader and former Central Area Planning Commissioner; Cindy Hubach, founder of the Elysian Valley Community Garden; Diane Edwardson, longtime Silver Lake activist; and Josh Post, attorney for the California Department of Justice and former City Council candidate for District 13.

Mitch O’Farrell closed with his own words: “We have made this District cleaner, better, more vibrant and safer by over 60 percent over the last ten years. I know the community members by name, you've heard many of them speak this morning... The residents of this District deserve someone ready to serve on day one; I am ready. Council District 13 is not for sale. My opponent in this race and his nine Super PACs have raised 1.2 million dollars, over 90 percent of that money coming from outside Council District 13… But here's what you cannot buy: 31 years of being rooted here in the 13th District; 21 years as an active participant in this District, volunteering and working to make it better… I am here to bridge the gap between the people and the City. It's what I've been doing for ten years. I just want to do it in a more official capacity. And no matter how much money my opponent's machine spends, he can’t buy that.”

Watch the full press conference on YouTube: http://youtu.be/bz1zzJLYlKc

Not present were Councilmember Jan Perry (District 9) and Councilmember Ed Reyes (District 1), who also just endorsed Mitch.

Ed Reyes had special praise for Mitch’s impeccable green record: “Mitch has worked tirelessly on the L.A. River improvements, and he has been a vocal advocate for parks and open space throughout the District. Parks not only beautify our neighborhoods, they help to build community. Mitch understands this and will continue to fight for parks and public space throughout the District.”

Said Mitch, "I’m truly honored to have the support of Councilmember Ed Reyes. He is the heart and the conscience of the L.A. City Council. His leadership on the L.A. River Master Plan and Revitalization is unparalleled. Ed is a champion for Northeast L.A. and the L.A. River, and I hope to continue his dedicated efforts on the River Plans as the Councilmember from CD 13.”