INTERVIEW - Voters will have a clear and defining contrast in the goals and objectives of the remaining general election finalists for LA City Attorney from a primary that ousted first-term incumbent Hydee Feldstein-Soto who finished third with just 18% of the ballots cast.
In what is now a brand-new race for the top legal position for Los Angeles, I spoke with candidate John McKinney last Friday afternoon, who currently serves as Director of Specialized Prosecutions for the District Attorney's Office for the County of Los Angeles.
McKinney is facing Marissa Roy, a public interest lawyer and democratic socialist who describes herself as "the people's lawyer, serving Angelenos and not the powerful."
The McKinney candidacy has been surging as of late, turning in a strong second place finish in the June 2nd Primary with nearly 30% of the vote as his fundraising efforts have stepped up, with $150,000 in new funds raised from 150 unique donors ranging from $5 to the legal limit of $1,800, as he focuses in on the principles of "public and neighborhood protection."
A self-described, moderate and common-sense Democrat, McKinney has the endorsement of former City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo (2001-2009) who also served as a deputy mayor of Los Angeles under the late Richard "Dick" Riordan (1993-2001). Also endorsed by the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce, McKinney has the backing of the Blue Wave Democrats.
But the most influential of endorsements for McKinney lately has been four members of the Los Angeles City Council in Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) who represents the Westside, Councilwoman Monica Rodríguez (CD-7), who represents portions of the San Fernando Valley, Councilman John Lee (CD-12), who represents Chatsworth & North Hills, the only independent currently on the governing body, and Councilman Ted McCosker (CD-15), who represents Harbor City, Watts and San Pedro.
For McKinney, the dividing line between his vision and Roy's are the issues of public safety and homelessness.
A recently completed walking tour of "Skid Row" by the candidate can be best described as "appalling living conditions" that have the most vulnerable and at-risk "desperate for help."
McKinney said he engaged hundreds and estimated thousands currently living outside and on the streets in this depressed urban slum failed by government inaction for decades.
"I'm devastated by the conditions," noted McKinney, who observed streets plagued by substance abuse while lacking any reliable mental health services for the unhoused.
One of the differences McKinney also noted with Roy was his support of Municipal Ordinance 41.18, which prevents encampments in sensitive areas such as schools and churches.
"As City Attorney, I will ensure that our laws are applied in ways that protect public safety while respecting the dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness. I will enforce 41.18 and keep sidewalks passable, protect parks and schools, and address dangerous encampments that threaten community safety."
McKinney emphasized the fiscal impact homelessness is having on the city's reputation and brand, and that unclean streets can affect tourism and travel dollars as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
"California needs to stand strong; we need to be a shining destination to remember, to build a legacy," offered the candidate.
Despite being a non-partisan contest, McKinney believes his candidacy represents a very different vision for the City Attorney's Office.
"It is fair to talk about our differences. We have different visions and the contrast is quite stark," noted the Deputy District Attorney.
"Her brand is DSA."
Another contrast noted McKinney is his professional partnership with LAPD as he also secured the endorsement of the LA Police Protective League (PPL), the collective bargaining unit that represents some 8,700 sworn officers and he also noted a productive relationship with current LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell as well.
McKinney mentioned several issues he would face if successful such as unresolved litigation and lawsuits that are costing Los Angeles multi-million-dollar judgements. He called for aggressive risk management and closing liability loopholes that create unnecessary exposure. He said he would investigate upgrades in technology such as modernizing case management systems.
For the enforcement of misdemeanor crimes is essential, as McKinney sees the role of City Attorney as both municipal prosecutor and general counsel.
"The City of Los Angeles is my client. This is a difficult job that requires a sweeping set of responsibilities, as well as managing 550 lawyers and an additional 450 staffers, I want to provide residents with steady, experienced leadership. I currently manage some 300 individuals and have tried hundreds of cases over my thirty-year career. I want to grow the office, bring litigation in-house, and hire additional attorneys as outsourcing should be uncommon."
58 years old, the Baldwin Hills homeowner, originally from Passaic, New Jersey, prides himself having been a renter for 24 years after graduating from UCLA Law School in 1997. With his mother's passing at the age of two and his father at five, McKinney was raised by his oldest sister, herself a single Mom.
For overcoming adversity and challenge is at the heart of who John McKinney is and what he represents as both an individual and public servant.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of the Westside who is covering the race for LA City Attorney. A contributing writer for City Watch LA, he can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] )
