Layla Hernandez
Incumbent Mario Trujillo is seeking his second term representing District 5, which includes the entire city, on the Downey City Council. Trujillo was first elected in 2020.
Nov. 5 is the last day to vote, with early voting available. To check registration status, request a vote-by-mail ballot, or find a local voting center, visit lavote.gov.
When discussing his visions for the city, Trujillo states simply, “I want to continue making Downey a destination for families to live in and anyone to visit.”
Trujillo opposes caps on annual rent increases, calling for “a balance that protects tenants from unreasonable rent hikes while also considering the interests of property owners.” He advocates for “promoting the development of more housing units” instead of implementing strict rent caps.
Trujillo stands firmly behind increasing the police budget, highlighting his efforts to hire more officers and improve surveillance.
Trujillo has lived in Downey for more than 34 years.
Responses have been light edited for clarity. Candidates self-reported their occupations and residences.
Why are you running?
I am running because I love this community and its people. I want to continue making a real difference in Downey.
What is your vision for the future of the city?
I want to continue making Downey a destination for families to live in and anyone to visit.
The average monthly rent for an apartment in Downey is $2,241, up 11% from January 2022, according to the apartment search website rentcafe.com. Multiple cities in Southeast Los Angeles County have placed caps on annual rent increases beyond the hard cap of 10%–5% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower–passed by the state in 2019. Bell Gardens set a cap of 50% of inflation or 4%, whichever is less; Maywood’s maximum rent increase is 4%; Cudahy’s cap is the change in inflation or 3%, whichever is less. Do you support a cap on annual rent increases in Downey beyond the state cap?
No. As a representative, I understand the challenges tenants and landlords face in our community. It is crucial to strike a balance that protects tenants from unreasonable rent hikes while also considering the interests of property owners who provide housing options. We must explore comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of housing affordability issues, such as promoting the development of more housing units and fostering a competitive yet fair housing market. Any decision regarding rent control measures must be carefully considered, taking into account the diverse needs of our constituents and aiming for sustainable solutions that benefit our community as a whole.
What are other solutions to prevent renters from being priced out of the city due to rising rents?
To address rising rents, we need a multifaceted approach including expanding our housing efforts and promoting collaboration among stakeholders for sustainable solutions.
The police department makes up 38% of the city budget. Do you think this is the right amount of spending? What public safety strategies do you think the city could implement that don’t rely on traditional policing?
I am committed to providing unwavering support to our local Police department to ensure they have the resources needed to protect and serve the community effectively. I introduced a $25,000 recruitment incentive for hiring more Police Officers. Furthermore, I authorized the hiring of a private security company to patrol our parks. Additionally, we installed security cameras in downtown Downey to enhance surveillance and deter criminal activities.
Should the police budget increase, decrease, or stay the same?
Increase.
The 2015 Downey Bicycle Master Plan proposes 33.6 miles of added bike lanes in the city, though the city currently only has just over 5 miles of bike lanes. If elected, what steps would you prioritize to improve non-motorized travel, especially biking infrastructure, and how will you ensure the city remains on track with these goals?
I will prioritize implementing the proposed 33.6 miles of bike lanes outlined in the 2015 Downey Bicycle Master Plan. By establishing clear timelines, securing funding, and engaging with the community, we can ensure progress and accountability toward improving biking infrastructure in the city.
