As the Democratic Caucus elections near, the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association (LAAPOA) would like to offer its support for Congressman Tony Cárdenas in his bid for Assistant Speaker of the House. Congressman Cárdenas has long been a steward of leadership and diversity, and his support for California’s law enforcement has been unwavering. 

LAAPOA recognizes the need for equal representation of all groups at the highest levels, and we believe that Congressman Cárdenas exemplifies these values. For the past three years, Congressman Cárdenas has served as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s political arm, BOLD PAC, and he has diligently advocated for minority representation in all levels of government. 

During his time on the Los Angeles City Council, Congressman Cárdenas utilized millions of dollars overlooked by the city to help keep kids off the streets, and sought to reduce crime while also reducing expenditures on crime abatement programs. As vice chair of the city’s Public Safety Committee, the Congressman spearheaded the Community-Based Gang Intervention Model, the most comprehensive gang-intervention model in the country. This model standardized and defined the methods used by gang-intervention workers to help stop violence in some of Los Angeles’ most dangerous neighborhoods. 

The Congressman’s consistent support and strong will to do right by the City of Los Angeles, its law enforcement officers and its residents has not gone unnoticed by LAAPOA, and we believe that he will continue to advocate these values in the position of Assistant Speaker of the House.