LA Mayoral Election Profile: Emanuel Pleitez

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — In a mayoral race with plenty of political heavyweights, one candidate has embraced his role as underdog and hopes that image will attract voters in Los Angeles.

KNX 1070's Charles Feldman continues his preview of the candidates for mayor with a look at Emanuel Pleitez.

He is the candidate whose name often elicits one question.

"I think they started saying 'Who?' when I began to run," Pleitez said. "I think now, people actually are getting to know me and realizing that they have a choice instead of electing candidates who have been in City Hall for a combined 30 years of experience."

Pleitez says he think his own personal story will resonate with voters.

"I'm born and raised Angeleno. I know how hard life could be in L.A. I know what some of the families who are struggling the most, what they are going through," he said.

Pleitez - the son of a single mom who came from Mexico who was born in South L.A. and raised on the East side - said he understands the realities of gang violence.

"Lost many friends to that. But I've also been able to educate myself and get prepared with experiences in the private sector, in different industries," said Pleitez, touting his work on economic and fiscal policy in the White House and the U.S. Treasury Department, along with his experience as a technology company executive who advised companies "large and small around the world."

"So, I think it's a combination of understanding the real world struggles of people in L.A., and having the experience set that can address the most difficult issues that Los Angeles is facing today," he added.

Pleitez said if elected, he has specific plans to bring the city back to fiscal health and says he is not indebted to unions of big business with his average contribution just $120.

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