City electionsL 2011

A little more than a year ago, Paul Krekorian was the outsider looking to be part of the City of Los Angeles.Daily News.

Today, he is the incumbent councilman facing his first re-election challenge.

And his challenger, taking a second stab at the seat, is less than impressed with what the council's newest member accomplished his first year.

Brad Smith withdraws from race
Candidate Brad Smith said Thursday he has withdrawn from the race to succeed retiring City Councilman Greig Smith as representative of the northwest San Fernando Valley.
Kevin Modesti in the Daily News,

Brad Smith made the announcement in an e-mail to supporters and a message on his campaign web site.

"For very real personal and financial issues, I will not be able to devote the time and energy necessary to this campaign," wrote Smith, 46, a Granada Hills resident who is employed as a business-development specialist by Pasadena-based Parsons Corporation.