Greuel Gives "I Will Lead L.A. Forward" Speech

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City Controller and Mayoral Candidate Wendy Greuel said she's been criticized for having the support of both working people and business owners. She says her opponent Eric Garcetti doesn't think that's possible.

In the speech she gave Tuesday at the UCLA Faculty center, which she titled "I Will Lead L.A. Forward," she said her work with both labor and business is one of her greatest strengths.

"This race is about the future of Los Angeles and which candidate will be the courageous and tough leader for Los Angeles," Greuel said.

Greuel has worked for DreamWorks Studio and owned a small business. She's also worked in the public sector for Mayor Tom Bradley and former President Bill Clinton.

She says her plan for the city includes giving city contracts to L.A.-based business wherever possible.

"City contracts and city funds ought to go first to L.A. businesses before other cities benefit," Greuel said.

She also emphasized the importance of educating L.A.'s workforce and children.

To find the money to make changes, Greuel says she'll cut the mayoral and city council budgets by 25 percent. "We'll operate more efficiently and we'll work harder," Greuel said. "But we'll work with less."

Greuel has been endorsed by President Bill Clinton, Magic Johnson, and former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan.