Inglewood voters will go to the polls on April 7 to elect or re-elect 2 council members

and 3 school board members. For the council races, it’s a case of déjà vu. Two years ago, current District 1 Councilmember Danny Tabor went head to head with Inglewood Planning

Commissioner George Dotson. The close race resulted in a recount (at Dotson’s request), with Tabor emerging as the winner.

This issue, Inglewood Today Weekly takes a look at the District 1 race, the men behind the race, and why each feels they are best suited for the job. In fairness, Mike Stevens is also a candidate, but could not be reached for comment. Mike, if you’re out there, give us a call.

Q. In your view, what is the single most important economic issue in District 1? How would you resolve the issue?

Tabor: Revitalization in downtown Inglewood is most important. Especially from Florence and La Brea, and from Locust/Hillcrest to La Brea. Revitalization would bring new housing, retail and entertainment to the City.

Right now, the City has an RFP for a master plan. It will give us a road map to revitalizing

the area.

Dotson: To me, the most important issue is the Manchester Corridor and Market Street. Manchester needs to be revitalized with mixed-use buildings. We need to take care of widening the street from Van Ness, throughout the city to La Cienega. Market Street can also be revitalized with mixed use. We need to take advantage of the empty lot at Florence and La Brea.

The City also needs to build a multi-level parking structure that is safe, secure and well lit.

Q. What would you like to change about the way the council is run?

Tabor: I have begun to change the way we approach our budget. The city budget will be presented directly to the council through the city administrator. This will open the way for the council to understand staffing, and what services are provided (and not provided due to budget shortfalls).

And, it will help us address the greatest community needs.

Dotson: We get great ideas and start on them, but they never come to fruition. They (councilmembers) need to show a little more courtesy to each other, and abide by the rules of the quorum. And they need to have information readily available for all public hearings.

That would make the meetings run a lot better.

Q. Why are you the best man for the job?

Tabor: First, I have grown up here in Inglewood, knowing the residents, values, needs and expectations for high levels of service. That gives me insight to set a vision that they understand. Second, I have worked at federal, county and municipal levels of government. We collaborate with the state and county to deliver services. For example, though my relationship

with former Supervisor Yvonne Burke, I was able to get a grant to help improve Vincent and Darby Park. Having these relationships and experience makes me uniquely qualified.

Dotson: I have run a successful business of my own for the last 37 years as a contractor. I’ve been on the Inglewood Planning and Zoning Commission for 17 years, and chairman for 7 years. I’ve also served as chairman of the Parking and Traffic Commission, the Human Affairs

Commission and on the MLK Committee. I have learned what works, and what doesn’t work.