June 13, 2013

By KENNETH MILLER

Assistant Managing Editor

 

Inglewood voters ushered out an old era and brought in a new one when they overwhelming elected African American George Dotson and Latino Alex Padilla to city council seats on Tuesday.

Planning Commissioner Chairman George Dotson, a businessman with more than four decades of experience ran on a platform of economic development defeated incumbent Mike Stevens for the District 1 Seat. At Sentinel press time Dotson was leading convincingly 58 percent to 41 percent.

Retired Police Captain Alex Padilla finally ended dreaded incumbent Councilwoman Judy Dunlap’s reign of terror on the city by winning the District 2 Seat with a resounding 67 percent to 32 percent, at press time.

The 30-year Inglewood resident says he wants to be his district’s next councilmember because he “cares about our city and its future.” 

Padilla retired Santa Monica police department after holding the office of for captain 34 years.

He currently works with the Office of the Inspector General in the city of Los Angeles.  Deeply rooted in Inglewood, Padilla is a block captain and the immediate past chair of the Inglewood Citizen Police Oversight Commission.

He is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, American Cancer Society Relay-for-Life, Salvation Army Auxiliary Board to name a few. The Sentinel endorsed him for city council.

Dunlap’s last hurrah was an accurate assertion that she lied about obtaining the endorsement of California Board of Equalization Chair Jerome Horton, who had not met the councilwoman in the past four years.

Opposing candidates complained that she lied and misled union members about her endorsement in order to get the COPE endorsement and had filled an official complaint based upon the fact that the Councilwoman lied about her endorsements for political gain.

In the end the Inglewood voters had the final say and after 20 years, Dunlap is no longer an elected member of the city council in Inglewood.

Dotson has an impeccable resume; an Inglewood business owner since 1972 and Inglewood volunteer who has served on the city of Inglewood Planning and Traffic Commissions.

Inglewood citizens desired his leadership, which contrasted with his opponent Stevens who was often deemed combative and confrontational..

Dotson’s commitment to bringing new businesses and jobs to the city and his positive position on public safety was key to voters.

“I want the first district residents to have better representation and provide a positive environment for you to become more involved in your city government,” Dotson said.

Category: Community