Meet Craig Brill, Candidate For LA Co. Supervisor District 3

LOS ANGELES, CA — Small business owner Craig Brill will look to fill Sheila Kuehl's seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors come June 7.

Brill is up against 5 others looking to represent the massive 3rd District, which covers much of the San Fernando Valley and from Malibu all the way to Hollywood.

Learn more about Brill and his goals for the 3rd District.

Age (as of Election Day)

56

Party Affiliation

Independent

Family

Husband: Todd Schurko; Siblings: Darlene Brill, Jimmy Brill, Johnny Panetta and Ronnie Panetta

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Some college

Occupation

Small business owner and dog daycare provider

Campaign website

Craigforsupervisorla.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles County and I’ve witnessed its demise over the last decade. I don’t believe the career politicians who brought us here can get us out. After coming close to death, I became very active in trying to work for solutions to homelessness and was hit with brick walls at every level. My neighbors and friends convinced me I should run. We need new common sense leaders that aren’t beholden to special Interests from developers to unions. We need independent leaders. I believe I am that leader.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am not an Insider from either party. I’m not beholden to party Interests and will work to actually represent my constituents.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Do you have all day? No — but in all seriousness, the current officeholder has been beholden to far-left activists and refuses to listen her actual constituents. She’s puts blame for lack of mental health on the city, when it’s a county responsibility. She refuses to engage with constituents. She also actively lobbied against AB1340, that would allow us to get MI citizens off the streets through conservatorship. She’s more worried about plastic utensils than actual human lives. Close to 2,000 humans died on our streets last year. The majority from overdose. She doubles down on a failed housing first policy instead of treating the MI and addiction crisis unfolding on our streets

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am focused on public safety and infrastructure needs, especially for neglected communities, in addition to major reform of our health, homeless and housing services.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

At 19, I was promoted to buyer of a junior department store handling a budget in the millions at Boston Stores in Carson, California. From there I went to Liberty House, Bullocks and then into wholesale fashion. I’ve had to be accountable for spending others' money and ensuring products came in on time and on budget. I’ve had to be nimble and problem solve. I’ve also ran my own small business the past 22 years having to make payroll weekly. These are all things a supervisor should have experience in. It taught me to respect others' money as if it were my own, and I will do that as the 3rd District supervisor. Every dollar spent will be scrutinized, is it helping? If not how can we either spend it more effectively or not spend at all.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Work hard and treat no job like it’s beneath you.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m just a simple guy, who never thought I’d be running for office. I have a husband 3 dogs and a loving family. But like many families, I grew up with domestic violence, addiction, family members' homeless, disabled siblings. We grew up poor and like many entered middle class. Despite these struggles I’ve succeeded in every career I’ve had which is why I know I’ll be a successful supervisor.