Trade Unions, Builders Cheer LA's New Mayor

LOS ANGELES-Officials from many development companies and construction unions were on hand today to cheer the installation of Democrat James K. Hahn as this city’s new mayor, even as outgoing Republican Richard Riordan promised to decide whether to run for governor in the 2002 election by the end of this summer.

Hahn, 50, has spent virtually his entire professional career in politics. He was LA’s elected city attorney before defeating mayoral hopeful Antonio Villaraigosa in a run-off election last month.

Hahn is considered a more moderate Democrat than Villaraigosa. While Villaraigosa was able to secure the backing of unions that represent many clerical workers at City Hall, Hahn was able to capture the support of most Police and Firefighter unions—as well as most of the building industry trades.