HAHN FOR MAYOR
18553 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356

MAGIC JOHNSON ENDORSES JIM HAHN FOR MAYOR

Los Angeles - Basketball legend and business leader Earvin "Magic" Johnson today announced that he is endorsing Jim Hahn to be Los Angeles' next Mayor. The endorsement was announced at a press conference held today at the Magic Johnson Theaters in the Crenshaw area.

Magic Johnson, who led the Lakers to five NBA titles and played on 11 NBA All-Star teams, is now a leading Los Angeles business figure and philanthropist through his company Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) and the Magic Johnson Foundation.

"Giving back to the community is a basic principle in how I run my businesses and my foundation. I respect and want to support public officials who share that principle, and that is why I am endorsing Jim Hahn. The commitment and dedication of the Hahn family to this city is unmatched. As City Attorney, Jim has established programs that not only fight crime, but empower neighborhoods so they have the tools to make their streets safer and the community stronger," said Johnson.

"Jim shares my belief that there is tremendous potential in our inner cities, and that if we provide employment and opportunity particularly to the youth of these communities, we can tap this potential and revive parts of our city that have been left behind. Jim's experience and record of public service make me confident that he is the right man to be our next Mayor. I am excited to be supporting him and look forward to working with him," Johnson added.

The Johnson Development Corporation, a subsidiary of MJE, has revitalized urban shopping centers that have brought employment opportunities to the areas and spurred local economic development. The Magic Johnson Theaters where the press conference was held are some of the most successful theaters in the country and brought hundreds of jobs to the community. The Magic Johnson Foundation, founded in 1991, directs its efforts toward addressing the health, educational, and social needs of inner city youth.

"I was a great admirer and fan of Magic's as he led our beloved Lakers to championship after championship. I am even more of an admirer now because of what he has done with his life after basketball. No business leader I know is as dedicated to integrating social purpose into his business ventures. Los Angeles is very lucky to have the benefit of Magic's leadership in the effort to bring jobs and opportunity to the inner city. Very few others have stepped up to meet that challenge," said Hahn.

"Most of our city has benefited greatly from the booming economy, but other parts have not. I am committed, as I know Magic is, to seeing that no part of this city is left behind. If we can bring opportunity to these communities, all of us benefit, and Los Angeles will be a stronger city. I looked forward to working with Magic, and I am honored to have him as part of my team," Hahn added.

In addition to his five NBA titles, Johnson won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and led Michigan State to the NCAA basketball title in 1979. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises oversees a number of subsidiaries including Johnson Development Corporation, Magic Johnson Theaters, Magic Johnson All-Star Camps, Magic Johnson T's, and Magic Johnson Entertainment. He is also the founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of inner-city youth. He is also involved in numerous other charitable organizations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Starlight Foundation, and the United Negro College Fund.