Despite Stroke, Lindsay, 87, Plans to Seek Reelection

Veteran Los Angeles City Councilman Gilbert Lindsay said Wednesday he will seek reelection next year despite a recent “lightweight” stroke but added that, at age 87, it will also likely be his last term.

In a brief telephone interview from his hospital bed, Lindsay said he is continuing to undergo therapy for a weakening of his right hand but that his doctors are “tickled to death with the progress I’ve made.”

Lindsay has held a lock on the 9th District seat since he was first appointed to represent the largely downtown area in January, 1963. He was the first black to serve on the council.

Lindsay has faced opposition in every election but has been able to win easily despite his advancing age. In recent years, Lindsay has been spotted napping on several occasions during council meetings.

He will turn 88 on Nov. 29.

Asked if he will seek reelection to a seventh four-year term, Lindsay said, “No question about it. Why should I give up now, in the prime of my life? The people don’t want me to stop now. That’s what they told me.”

The veteran councilman said he knows of no organized opposition to his reelection and then said he would probably retire after one more term.

“There might be some people interested in the job when I decide to quit, (but) I need another term, that’s all I need. That’s all I need.”

Hospitalized for nearly three weeks after checking himself in for what was first thought to be exhaustion, Lindsay said he may remain at Queen of Angels Hospital for yet another week becaus1696604706over really good.”

According to a hospital spokeswoman, Lindsay was told last week he could check out at any time but that he decided to stay for additional therapy on his right hand and wrist, which were weakened by the stroke.

In the brief interview, Lindsay downplayed his condition and compared his stroke to the one experienced by his former boss.

“I had a lightweight stroke; that’s the way (the doctors) put it,” Lindsay said. “In other words, Hahn’s was 10 times worse, 10 times worse.” Lindsay was referring to Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, who suffered a debilitating stroke nearly two years ago that left him partially paralyzed. Lindsay served for many years as Hahn’s chief deputy before his appointment to the council.

Known for a quick sense of humor, Lindsay laughed out loud when asked if he misses attending City Council meetings.

“Who wouldn’t miss that circus?” he joked.