DWP Chief Gives Hayden his Support
Tom Hayden was endorsed for the Los Angeles City Council on Monday by Department of Water and Power head S. David Freeman, whose success at keeping electricity available at reasonable rates has made him a popular figure.
But rivals criticized Hayden for voting as a state senator for legislation that deregulated power and contributed to California’s energy crisis.
Freeman said lawmakers in 1996 unanimously passed deregulation legislation designed to reduce customer bills by introducing more competition. The DWP general manager said Hayden played a legislative role in exempting the Los Angeles DWP from deregulation, an act that has so far saved the city from the blackouts and rate increases that have hit other parts of the state.
A former state senator, Hayden is one of 11 candidates in what is one of the most hotly contested and expensive council races in the city this year.
The 5th District extends from Westwood to Van Nuys. Most of the candidates were out walking precincts and calling voters Monday.
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