New City Councilman Shaped By Overcoming Addiction
On February 4, Bonin celebrated 18 years of being sober - and one month later, he celebrated a landslide win in the race to become district 11's next city councilmember.
Politicians can be known for keeping their private manners away from the public. But one of Los Angeles City Council's newest members, Mike Bonin, shared how his past has brought him to where he is today: serving a district which includes Venice, an area for high homeless and drug addiction population.
According to the LA Almanac, there are more than 3,500 homeless on the Westside and 33 to 66 percent of homeless are involved with substance abuse.
Bonin said his battle with addiction has given him an appreciation for struggle and a dedication to those that are homeless or low-wage workers dealing with addiction. For him, serving this community hits close to home in profound ways.
“The experience of having gone through addiction and getting sober has given me a different perspective on how you approach government. It gives me a belief that everyone has value and nobody is beyond the capability to change,” said Bonin.
After receiving the news that he won, Bonin said he felt humbled and he celebrated with a party at his campaign headquarters in Venice.
The first thing Bonin plans to do upon his arrival at city council is to start a discussion about the plight of homeless children, he said.
