5 Questions: Scott Crawford, Declared Candidate for CD 13 Seat

Actor, businessman, long-time Silver Lake resident Scott Crawford is also a member of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council.

According to city Ethics Commission records published by the Atwater Village News, Mitchell O'Farrell, a long-time staffer for Eric Garcetti's CD 13 office, has also reportedly filed his intent to run paper work with the city.

Crawford has already started his campaign, with daily appearances in the community.

We asked him to sit down and answer what we felt were some pressing "contextual" questions for any candidate who would represent our beloved Echo Park and Silver Lake.

The first set of 5 follow. Look for more Monday. 

Echo Park Patch: CD13 incorporates a variety of communities.  What do you see as distinctive about each one, in particular Echo Park and Silver Lake?

Scott Crawford: I moved to Silver Lake 25 years ago when I fell in love with the diverse mix of creative and talented people, the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, and the walkable neighborhoods. Echo Park has its own unique character and I love Echo Park’s local economy, from great books and conversation at Stories to deep dish pizza from Masa’s.

Most of all, as a historic preservation advocate, I love the unique history and architecture of both Silver lake and Echo Park, assets that must be protected. CD13 as a whole is the most diverse district in the city and it is imperative that we celebrate and protect the uniqueness of each community, from the spectacle of Hollywood Blvd. to the equestrian community of Atwater Village.

Echo Park Patch: You are a long-time Silver Lake resident. How have things changed in your time here? What’s the most satisfying change? What are lingering issues or problems that you haven’t yet seen solved?

Scott Crawford: Over the years, we’ve struggled with land use issues and we’ve fought to preserve architectural assets such as the many stairs and the wonderful architecture. As the president of the Friends of the Hollyhock House Foundation, I fought to make historic preservation a priority. Along the way, I’ve seen the quality of life in our community improve, I’ve seen the local economy flourish, and I’ve been part of a larger community that has come together with the common goal of moving forward.

Still, there is much to be done. CD13 is especially hard hit by high unemployment and a need to support the small businesses that make up ⅔ of our economy. I’m encouraged by the people of CD13 and convinced that we have what it takes to work together, to preserve our ethnic diversity, and to ensure that our communities are safe and healthy.

Echo Park Patch: Public safety is still an important issue in the area, especially now that it is also a destination for those coming to enjoy our nightlife. What can you do –and what will you do—as a council member to protect people and their property?

Scott Crawford: I believe in community policing, a partnership between the police and the public. I also believe that more eyes on the street has an impact on crime reduction. That’s why I love to walk our neighborhood with my neighbors, it’s good for us and it’s good for the community.

Public education is an important element in public safety, educated and skilled kids get great jobs and that reduces crime. A robust local economy means great jobs for locals and that reduces crime. There are a lot of factors in crime spikes and it is imperative that we look at the big picture and commit to healthy communities that work for everybody.

Echo Park Patch: Silver Lake and Echo Park has a strong small business community. What would you to do maintain and expand that, especially given the jobs it creates?

Scott Crawford: Small businesses are the backbone of L.A.’s economy and the city must get involved in reducing obstacles, not creating them, so that the talented and innovative people who invest in our communities can do what they do best, create! My campaign office shares space with Hollywood Rent A Car, a locally owned and operated company that has spent the last two years struggling to establish an electric community car share program, but with no success.

I commit to removing obstacles and celebrating the success of small business operators who are committed to investing in our communities. The city should focus on supporting small businesses and improving the tax base rather than looking for ways to stimulate revenue through fines and fees.

Echo Park Patch: Many Echo Park and Silver Lake parents send their children to schools outside the area and certainly outside LAUSD.  Do you think it’s important to change that? What would you do?

Scott Crawford: Public Education is the backbone of our community and it is imperative that we partner with the LAUSD to address the issues that motivate parents to look elsewhere for schools. I am proud that there is a “Scotty” award named after me that is awarded to outstanding Media Academy students at Grover Cleveland High School.

I realize that the LAUSD is a separate authority but the kids are our kids and the schools are our schools so it is imperative to partner with them and work together. I’m proud of the money I raised to put computers in Mayberry Elementary School in support of a program that will train kids in computer skills and give them the tools to compete and advance. I’m also proud to have mentored a young man who is now in charge of the media program at Hollywood High, an example of what happens when community members treat students as individuals and gives them the support that they need.

Got a question for Scott Crawford? Shoot it our way in comments. And look for part two of our interview with the candidate on Monday.