After the primary.

Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa emerged as the top vote-getter in last week's election, so he'll face incumbent Mayor James Hahn in the May runoff. Bob Hertzberg came within a percentage point or so of bumping off Hahn, but was eliminated along with Councilman Bernard Parks and state Sen. Richard Alarc6n. So the Business Journal asks:

What's your response to the Los Angeles mayoral primary results?

Robert Rollo

Managing Partner

Highland Partners

It's the same thing all over again. Where will the conservatives of the Valley cast their vote? I also say thank God that the finals are coming up in two months and it's not going to go on forever. In the next 60 days we'll find out whether this is a new Antonio Villaraigosa rather than a reinvented Antonio Villaraigosa.

Lisa Gerber

Assistant to Owner

Laugh Factory Entertainment

I followed the race somewhat, but somehow I didn't think it was important enough to get up and vote. I do think Mayor Hahn has been a failure and we need someone who can be a cheerleader for L.A.

George Passantino 

Director of Government Affairs

Reason Foundation

I am concerned that there is not a whole lot of choice for the voters. There is a real lack of difference. I don't think either is going to propel the city toward reform. We need better management of government. There are opportunities to utilize leased space, identify and sell surplus property and make sure the assets we do own are directly aligned with city priorities. I'm looking for candidates that are fundamentally interested in the way we deliver services and focused on getting more for the taxpayers.

Hector Orci

Chief Executive

La Agencia de Orci & Asociados

My business life is spent working with the Latino community This result is a further demonstration of the increasing presence of Latinos in this country. Not only is the economic power being demonstrated, but also the political capacity to run to successful campaigns and appeal to a broad audience of voters. It's very similar to the movement of capital and media to Latino concerns and causes.

Judy Johnson 

Principal and Director of Business Development

Leo A Daly

For an election that was perceived by many to be rather boring, the fact that there was so much discussion about the possibility of the mayor not making the runoff made it interesting. The outcome was probably predictable if you consider the 2001 race. It will be interesting to see how the candidates present themselves to the public, whether they will decide not to go as negative as they did last time.

Janet Jones 

President

Elkins/Jones Insurance Agency Inc.

Antonio Villaraigosa's victory is a symbol of a changing Los Angeles because there is such an emergence of successful Latino businesses and individuals, and there is more of an awareness of the need to vote. A large bloc of Los Angeles has made a statement. Hertzberg didn't get that bloc of people. Looking to the runoff, Hahn will need to define his accomplishments to the voters more effectively than he's done in the past.

Judy Marcelline

Creative Director

Production Headquarters

I think Jim Hahn should get back in. He just seems to be the most sincere about what's best for Los Angeles. Villaraigosa just seems to be in the race to get elected. I think the turnout was so low because most people didn't even know there was an election.