I am very excited to announce that I have decided to run for the 79th Assembly District seat in the 2021 Special Election. Many of you know that this seat has been held by my mother, Dr. Shirley Weber, for the last eight years and will be vacated once she is sworn in as California’s Secretary of State.
Many have asked why would I, a physician, want to change my professional path and go into the political arena full time. I always smile when asked, and respond by saying “Why wouldn’t I”? One of the reasons that I became a physician and focused on the healthcare of women and girls, is because of the ability to impact the health outcomes of an entire family by just working with that one patient. I have also seen how much external factors impact a person’s health and the health of a community. Because of this I know first-hand that we must address the external factors if we truly want healthy communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only placed a spotlight on many of those external factors, but it has also worsened many of them. Factors such as the inability for all to access quality healthcare, the continuing racial injustices, pervasive economic disparities, and the widening academic achievement gap in our youth. I am running so that we can start eliminating these inequities, which will improve the health of our families, the health of our communities and the health of our democracy.
As a member of the La Mesa City Council, I have been able to positively impact the health of our residents, businesses and community through various efforts such as updating our Public Smoking Ordinance, facilitating the implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan, redirecting the City’s efforts to focus on homelessness, creating grants for our small businesses, and championing public transparency with passage of the Citizens Police Oversight Committee. I am proud of the accomplishments that we have achieved to make La Mesa a better and healthier City for all residents. I am ready to do the same with all of the residents of the 79th Assembly District.
With the support from you and the voters of the 79th Assembly District, we can continue to strengthen our communities and advocate for access to good healthcare, equal educational opportunities, and eliminating economic disparities.
Please visit: www.drakilahweber.com for more information or how to get involved.
I hope to count with your support and vote!
With much gratitude,
Dr. Akilah Weber
79th Assembly District Candidate