As Mayor of LA, how would I create jobs? We have a tremendous amount of natural resources here in Los Angeles, which we need to develop. To put it succinctly, "You can not drill for American oil and natural gas in China, Saudi Arabia or anyplace else other than America."
The more domestic energy we produce, renewable and non-renewable, the more domestic jobs we create. Moreover, jobs in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas pay more than twice the national average. At the same time, the domestic energy we produce will increase R&D in renewable energy sources, thus, increase efficiency.
Just look how far we have come in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the past 10 years. I intend to accelerate that trend, and to take advantage of every resource possible in technology and funding. As I stated many times;“Those who control the energy supply control whole continents”; “Those who control the water sources control life”.
Americans should demand products made in the USA. We can produce a better product with better quality at a competitive price. It is my intention to provide numerous incentives to retain businesses here in Los Angeles, and to offer those incentives to bring businesses back to Los Angeles.
Employment creates revenues and saves the government money and resources by taking the unemployed off the government subsidy and social services. It also creates the “multiplier affect”, which is a snowball of economic growth.
One of my top priorities is to ensure that we continue to develop and promote renewable energy sources. Many in the natural gas industry believe the day when renewable energy dominates our energy landscape is far off. I disagree. With American ingenuity, innovation and determination, the dawn of renewable energy sources can be upon us now.
What I propose is a "do-it-all strategy" in which we focus not just on developing renewable energy, but also on the development of our abundant fossil fuels. While further technology and innovation in building construction would need to be developed, such need would also provide more jobs. More importantly, our reliance on over-priced outside energy would be decreased resulting in positive economic growth.
I would promote the design of a thermal solar system that provides energy, heat and hot water. In addition, I would initiate a new and advanced fuel technology for vehicles such as hydrogen, natural gas and ultra-capacitors for energy storage. Los Angeles wastes an enormous amount of energy and work hours due to traffic congestion. I plan on an expedient advancement of our public transit system and devise systems to reduce traffic congestion.
In urban areas: roads, sidewalks, buildings and other structures prevent rainwater from being absorbed in the ground and replenishing the aquifers. It is time for us to compensate for that loss by collecting the rain runoff into retaining ponds. We need to implement the use of rainwater harvesting, gray water technology, collecting the billions of gallons of rain runoff into retaining ponds, desalinization projects powered totally by renewable energy (solar and wind combo systems) and other methods of conserving natural resources. As such, we would make existing renewable systems more cost effective and more efficient.
The result of my programs would be the increase of jobs, the decrease of energy and operating costs, and a reduction of our reliance on foreign oil. That in turn would result in decreasing the deficit and creating permanent jobs.
In short, the key to Los Angeles economic recovery is not an increase in taxes and fees. Rather, true long-term recovery will rely on the increase of efficiency and productivity; the reduction of bureaucracy; and the promotion of businesses and employment. All of which will instill confidence in our economy, generate greater revenues for the city of Los Angeles and other governmental entities.
American confidence in government is at an all time low. We no longer have the same level of faith in our institutions and leaders that we once had. Consequently, we are seeing a continued erosion of our outlook on the future. This outlook must change by initiating a massive and sound education program that produces innovation and technology.
We have an opportunity to jumpstart our economy, protect our environment and put our city on the path toward energy security through greater use of our domestic energy production such as natural gas. Our domestic energy production can serve as a foundation for our energy and economic independence. This path will enable us to develop the required innovation and production of other forms of energy sources.
To realize a course toward energy and economic security we must do what is necessary to instill confidence in the responsible development of our energy sources. We can use natural gas as a solid foundation on which to develop extensive R&D in renewable energy sources, and the efficient means to operate and maintain the mechanisms needed for such use.
Improving our educational system is the key to our economic survival. In a global, knowledge-driven economy, there is a direct correlation between engineering education and innovative progress. Our success or failure as a city will be measured by how well we do in providing the needed educational tools to promote innovation in all fields.
Leadership is not a birthright. Despite what many Americans believe, our city does not possess an innate knack for greatness. Greatness must be worked for and won by each new generation. Right now that is not happening. However, we still have time. If we place the emphasis we should on education, research and innovation, we can lead the world in the decades to come. Nevertheless, the only way to ensure we remain great tomorrow is to increase our investment in science and engineering today. In addition, we must invest in trade schools to train our future workers in the new and old technology.
We have to learn how to balance the need of the people vs. the need to protect the environment. Any extreme to either side is not good.
In today’s fast moving technologies, government as well as companies must learn to adjust and maneuver quickly to keep pace, or they will be out of business or incur deteriorating revenues and infrastructure. We must learn how stay competitive and resourceful to survive and thrive economically.
I submit: Leadership by example. I plan to cut waste, maximize productivity, reduce bureaucracy, increase efficiency and conservation in all city departments and assets, eliminate duplicating tasks and reward excellent performance and innovative methods of job performance. In addition, we have to use the Neighborhood Council’s more effectively; they are the eyes and ears of all the communities in Los Angeles. These are hard economic times; we must all put our shoulder to the task.
We must put all our differences aside and work together in harmony for the good of the people and the city of Los Angeles. Your vote for me will be one more step in this positive direction and it will be a win for all the people in LA.
"Let us take back our city and make it Los Angeles governed by the people for the people"
“A vote for DRAIMAN is a vote for you”
Los Angeles 2022
Current 4th term Elected Member of the Northridge East Neighborhood Council with the goal of
active public service to make the Valley a safer and better place to live, work, and raise a family.
“Transparency and accountability is my motto”
Decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world for many generations into the future. Ensuring that decisions being made about our energy, water, and natural resources are sustainable is central to this belief. This also applies to political, financial and economic decisions that affect/obligates current and future generations.
An Independent is someone who wants to take the politics out of politics. As citizens of this democracy, you are the rulers and the ruled, the law-givers and the law-abiding, the beginning and the end.
Change is inevitable. Change for the better is a full-time job.
Everyage needs men who will redeem the time by living with a vision of the things that are to be.
YJ Draiman for Mayor of Los Angeles 2022
Draiman’s Plan for LA’s Economic Prosperity
Draiman believes that businesses – not government – are the chief engine of job creation and economic growth in LA. With a particular focus on small and innovative businesses, Draiman will focus on creating an environment that helps businesses to thrive by ending redundant regulations, simplifying the way small businesses interact with City government, and opening City contracts to the best qualified rather than the best connected.
LA’s strength and economic vitality are directly tied to the health and livability of its neighborhoods – communities where people can live, work and stay. Creating healthy communities and neighborhood jobs and investments, require careful planning and systematic implementation. Draiman’s plan will make sure planning efforts are coordinated and backed by sufficient resources to deliver results.
http://www.draimanformayor.net
Draiman's Plan for LA’s Energy Efficiency
Investments in weatherization and efficiency upgrades create jobs, lower household utility bills, make LA businesses more competitive and lessen our impact on the environment. Reducing LA’s energy demand also keeps money in people’s pockets and in the region’s economy.
Nearly 9,000 LA buildings underwent significant retrofits in 2010. Draiman wants to triple that number by creating a $20 million fund that allows current programs to be significantly scaled and expanded. The city’s investment is projected to leverage an additional $120 million in outside resources from LADWP, The Southern California Gas Co., and various governmental and lending institutions. The plan is estimated to create more than 700 good-paying jobs and reduce harmful carbon emissions by more than 7,000 tons – the equivalent of cutting our gas consumption by 818,000 gallons annually.
Draiman’s plan begins by designating a two dozen Energy Efficiency Target Zones in areas that are shown to be least energy efficient, and selects an anchor organization in each area to act as a one-stop-shop to significantly increase efficiency projects. He then creates a $20 million fund to support efforts in each zone so that local building owners can leverage an additional $200 million in private and public funds. Finally, the plan sets a firm deadline to complete an online one-stop-shop so that every Los Angelinos can easily navigate the funding options to make efficiency improvements in their own homes and businesses.
Certain parts of the city are particularly ripe for energy and water efficiency investments. They range from residential neighborhoods with older building stock to local business strips that have not been effectively reached by existing efficiency programs. Draiman will task the Department of Housing and Economic Development, working with the Department of Environment, to locate twelve Energy Efficiency Target Zones that are shown to offer the most ability to perform efficiency upgrades, offer real cost and energy savings, and create jobs in the process.
Select anchor organizations to manage the implementation of the retrofits in each zone
Each zone will have a designated anchor organization that has a demonstrated ability to bring together the diverse business and residential constituents in their neighborhood. The organization will set clear targets for energy savings and jobs created and will help building owners to access funding and workers. They will be responsible for managing the retrofit process and reporting regularly to the city.
Create a $20 million fund to leverage $200 million to finance the upgrades
The city will create a $20 million fund from savings in other economic development, energy and environmental money. The fund will leverage utility money that, by state law, must be spent on increased efficiency and create partnerships with neighborhoods, business groups, utilities and others to significantly increase participation in efficiency programs. Given the available private and governmental funds available for this type of work, the $20 million is expected to leverage an additional $200 million that can be put directly into efficiency upgrades. Funds will be available to support uses including, including enhancing incentives, technical assistance and improving access to capital.
The $20 million cost of this initiative will be fully funded by savings from inefficiencies in other economic development and environmental programs:
$9 million from the Water Fund through reduced overhead, reprogramming and energy savings in City pumping and treatment facilities;
$11 million from the Community Development Block Grant through reduced overhead and reprogramming dollars;
$5.5 million from Recovery Act reprogramming offset by better recovery of State energy money for municipal projects; and
$3.5 million from the Department of Environment through reduced overhead and reprogramming of grant and settlement funds
Help all building owners by expediting the development of an online one-stop-shop for building owners
There are currently a range of public and private funding sources to finance weatherization projects, energy efficiency and water conservation upgrades. But for the average home and building owner, navigating the funding terrain is difficult.
The region received money under the Recovery Act to create an online one-stop-shop for building owners to determine where they can access funds. The deployment of this site must be accelerated. Draiman will set a firm deadline for city staff to have a one-stop-shop implemented and in place in the city by the spring of 2014.
A record of spurring energy efficiency enhancements
Draiman was a driving force behind the efforts to promote energy efficiency retrofits in buildings. He led the push for a new rebate program to boost demand for energy efficiency products and installation services. The program would help families save hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs, accelerate job creation in the construction and retail industries, and cut America’s dependence on foreign oil. Draiman also helped educate the public in weatherization and efficiency programs.
Honor, Honesty and Integrity these are not just words:
Honor, Honesty and Integrity these are not just words At times we feel maybe justified in violating a part of our own integrity. We don't measure the effect that by doing so, the amount of damage that it does to others as well as to our own soul. We speak of justice; we speak of honesty and doing the right things in life. We are sometimes confronted not so much by the violation of these principles but by the impact they have on our own spirit. Feeling betrayed by those you trust, who have in some way acted in a manner that you may never understand, will have an impact on your life. This may only be for a moment or maybe a lifetime; each person has their own emotional point of tolerance to transgressions that may have been committed by even the most trusted among you. These words are what make's us civilized. They are the fundamentals of our own character. We can not be responsible for someone else's behavior but we are in total control of our own. Our behavior in any setting should be guided by these words. We can forgive others, but it is not easy for us to forgive ourselves when it is our actions that bring forth circumstances that no one wants. I have felt recently that betrayal, that dishonest act that just hurts and saddens the soul. Of course, that does not make that person bad or evil. It is an act that does not help for the survival of a group. I believe in the biblical statement that vengeance is the Lord's it is not mine to give. When dealing with anyone in any capacity honesty is the guide. Integrity is the path to take. Honor is yours to own. Weep as you may for an infraction of another upon you; forgive as that transgression will also corrupt your soul to a deeper distrust of all. For the transgressor it will be easy to do that which they may feel is right, though the action violates all honor or self respect which creates havoc and chaos on others. Maybe to be honest will allow one to sleep at night. My heart pains, for those who have chosen the path of least resistance, which is the path to destruction. Integrity doesn't mean that you become some cold, stoic person, and vacant of all emotion. Integrity just means to flow with your honest feelings and actions ensuring that they are in alignment with propriety. If you don't like what you are doing then honor yourself by doing the best job anyway. You can always change careers.
YJ Draiman
