Making Magic... Together!

Lakers' Star and Entrepreneur, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Officially Endorses Bernard C. Parks

for Supervisor!

Thursday, May 22, 2008- Today, Lakers' legend and top businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson officially endorsed the candidacy of Councilmember Bernard C. Parks in his bid for L.A. County's 2nd District Supervisor's seat.

"Councilmember Parks has shown the courage to lead from his time as a police officer to his time as Chief of Police and now as a Councilmember," Johnson said. "I fully expect him to take his integrity and unparalleled work ethic with him to the Board of Supervisors."

Johnson compared Parks to Lakers' star guard Kobe Bryant. "In last night's Lakers game we saw Kobe Bryant play the role of closer and help his team win the game. Bernard Parks is the ultimate closer and the man our county needs to get things done."

Parks is grateful to add Johnson's name to a list of diverse key endorsements, including: current 2nd District Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite-Burke, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, First District Supervisor Gloria Molina, former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan and 5th District Supervisor Mike Antonovich.

“‘Magic’ is the ultimate double threat," Councilmember Parks said. "He has given so much to this city as the best point-guard in the history of basketball and now as the consummate businessman and mentor to our youth. It is an absolute honor and privilege to have his endorsement."

Parks points to Johnson's success in development as a steady inspiration as he looks to confront the housing and retail issues of the Second District. “‘Magic’s’ list of accomplishments in development is long and respected," Parks said. "If he had been allowed to continue his efforts at Marlton Square people would be shopping there today. Instead, it remains a dilapidated mess!"

Parks is referring to the shopping center located on the corner of Marlton and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Johnson's development company had been set to redevelop the shopping center, but Parks' predecessor on the Council; Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas pulled the project away from Johnson and gave it to developer Chris Hammond, whose questionable dealings have caused the once-promising project to flounder.

"Parks has once again displayed his leadership by uncovering the problems that exist at Marlton Square," Johnson said. "Unfortunately, Parks' predecessor, Mark Ridley-Thomas gave this project to a developer who couldn't deliver. Hopefully, with Parks' leadership a brighter future for the project lies ahead."

The election is June 3rd.