Englander declares for council

Mitch Englander has become the first to declare for the 2011 election to the Los Angeles City Council, taking out papers to succeed his boss, Councilman Grieg Smith.
Smith, who could run for another term, has said he will not run again.
Englander, who is a reserve police officer, long has voiced interest in running for the seeat.
"I am running for City Council to keep our streets safe, improve Los Angeles' business climate, and continue fighting for the Valley's fair share," Englander said.. "I am honored to have earned the early support of so many respected elected, business and community, and Neighborhood Council leaders."
He said he has received the endorsement from Smith, City Controller Wendy Greuel, Sheriff Lee Baca, Councilman Dennis P. Zine and former Assemblymembers Keith Richman and Richard Katz.
As Smith's chief of staff, Englander said he was the driving force behind most of the major inititatives out of the council office.
Englander is chair of the North Valley Family YMCA and is active in numerous community and service organizations.