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Today is election day, and here in the second-largest city in the nation, voters will pick seven candidates out of 26 to represent them for the even-numbered districts on the City Council. The stakes couldn’t be higher – Los Angeles is facing a budget gap of more than $400 million. Within a few weeks of the election, City Council members will be expected to make tough decisions about cutting public jobs, benefits, and services. The city has already cut 3,500 workers but, according to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, it hasn’t been enough. The mayor has taken on local unions in demanding more cuts. Unions, in turn, have worked hard to oust Councilman Bernard Parks, former LAPD chief, from his seat representing South Los Angeles. Parks has promised severe staffing cuts. Labor has also thrown their weight behind incumbent Jose Huizar, one of their biggest allies. Huizar faces a tough challenge from a businessman named Rudy Martinez, for the seat representing East Los Angeles and El Sereno. The battle between Huizar and Martinez has gotten ugly as one-time friends have resorted to launching attacks on one another. Meanwhile, incumbents Paul Krekorian, Tom LaBonge, Tony Cardenas, and Herb Wesson are also facing challenges to their seats.

GUEST: Rick Orlov, Staff writer at the Daily News, covering LA City Hall

Listen to Uprising’s coverage of the Los Angeles ballot measures here: http://uprisingradio.org/home/?p=19344

Listen to Uprising’s coverage of the Los Angeles School Board elections here: http://uprisingradio.org/home/?p=19338

To find your polling place, check http://www.lavote.net/LOCATOR/