Teresa Y. Hillery - South Park Resident Runs to Represent CD 14 on City Council
Teresa Y. Hillery, Candidate for CD 14, LA City Council
Teresa Y. Hillery, a 17-year South Park resident, has filed to represent CD 14 on the LA City Council. Eight candidates have now filed. Currently, incumbent Kevin de Leon has not publicly indicated his intent to seek re-election.
When asked– what makes you the best choice for CD 14 Council Member, Hillery replied, “my balanced, extensive background in serving people and solving problems.” She elaborated: “I come from a working-class, union family, which instilled in me values of service, hard work, and resilience.
My father operates a small business that I help him with, and I have spent most of my career in corporate America working in finance, community development, and law. So, I understand, can relate to, and help solve problems facing the diverse residential and commercial stakeholders throughout CD 14, including constituents experiencing extreme poverty and homelessness.
When I moved to South Park, I joined a church in Skid Row and worked side-by-side with unhoused and housed residents, creating programs and empowering them to help meet their physical, mental, spiritual, and economic needs.
As a community volunteer, I advocate for resources for unarmed, crisis response services to transform the way we respond to our neighbors. I have advocated on Capitol Hill for affordable housing legislation to generate more opportunities for Angelenos to create generational wealth by becoming homeowners.
As the Chair of the Real Property Section of one of the nation’s largest bar associations, I established a residential subsection to address tenants’ rights, and I have defended owners’ property rights as an attorney. This balanced experience, along with my commitment, dedication, and passion, will serve CD 14 well in addressing homelessness in a district that has the largest homeless population in the nation.”
Hillery said she wants to ensure that DTLA is a desirable place to live, work, and play for all. “I love Downtown. I love its energy, walkability, and many opportunities. Most of all, I love the people of DTLA. Despite what some may say or think, we are a community. In fact, we are a powerful, positive community of residents and businesses that have invested in Downtown and want to see it thrive. That’s one reason why I’m running for office.” Downtown has often been overlooked, perceived as a commercial area and containment zone, but not as home to 82,000+ diverse residents.
Another reason for Hillery’s candidacy is to “restore the respect, dignity, trust, transparency, and accountability to CD 14. I am a person who believes in transparency, accountability, and practicing moral leadership. These values and others I plan to take to City Hall.” CD 14 has endured painful legal and ethical lapses. Former Councilmember Jose Huizar pled guilty to racketeering and tax evasion. Incumbent Kevin de Leon was formally censured by the City Council after a leaked audio exposed him and other high-ranking officials making racist, homophobic, or derogatory remarks about some constituents. But this is a new day beaming with hope, and Hillery is focusing her energy on advocating for all of CD 14.
Hillery concluded, “The support received, especially from people who know what winning could mean for DTLA, is very encouraging. If you want to learn more or invest your talents, skills, and abilities in sending one of South Park’s very own to City Hall, please contact us at HilleryforCD14@gmail.com! This is a grassroots campaign, so we welcome and need your active involvement. We look forward to hearing from you.”
By Debra Shrout