Ministers Group Again Endorses Bernardi
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The Ministers Fellowship of the San Fernando Valley renewed its endorsement of Councilman Ernani Bernardi Friday, saying that the incumbent has always listened to the community.
The predominantly black ministers group, which represents 47 religious leaders from the East Valley, had endorsed Bernardi in the primary.
“Mr. Bernardi, he’s an antique, he has history, he knows what’s been going on in the community,” said the Rev. James Wade of the Universal Church of the Valley in Pacoima. “He cannot be replaced by an adolescent.”
Bernardi, 77, was forced into a runoff election by City Fire Capt. Lyle Hall, 49.
Several members said they were particularly concerned about Hall’s decision to favor a Lake View Terrace site for the Nancy Reagan Center for drug rehabilitation. Bernardi joined the community in opposing that location and a week ago the former First Lady withdrew her support, killing plans for starting the project at that location.
By backing Phoenix House, Hall “indicated he has allied himself with persons outside the community, and we don’t need that,” said the Rev. James Lyles of the First United Methodist Church of Pacoima. “We need someone who will work with the community.”
Hall has frequently said that the drug treatment center could have helped the East Valley by providing an option for youths who get hooked on drugs.
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