Friday, January 10, 2003
Page 8
Lloyd Monserratt, Pacheco Chief of Staff and Campaign Strategist, Dies at 36
By a MetNews Staff Writer
City Hall was shaken yesterday by the death of Lloyd Monserratt, chief of staff to Councilman Nick Pacheco and a longtime political activist and campaign strategist.
Monserratt passed away at about 6 a.m. yesterday while recovering from recent surgery, City Hall sources said.
Although only 36, Monserratt had amassed an impressive record of successful campaigns across California in the years since his days of activism at UCLA.
He helped propel Pacheco to office four years ago and was on leave from his staff working in the councilman’s tough re-election campaign against former state Assembly speaker and mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa. He passing is seen as a blow to Pacheco’s efforts to retain his seat.
“Lloyd touched the lives of many people and has always fought to improve the communities that he has served,” Pacheco said in a statement. “All those who knew him were drawn to his strong presence and warm personality.”
Pacheco called losing his friend at such an early age a tragedy. “I will miss him terribly,” Pacheco said. The councilman closed his office yesterday as stunned members of his staff tried to regroup.
Monserratt previously served on the staff of former Los Angeles school board president Vicky Castro and worked closely with respected political consultant Phil Giarrizzo in San Francisco and the Central Valley.
“He was one of the most amazing, talented people I’ve ever met,” Giarrizzo said. “He was an extraordinarily gifted person with a tremendous feel for the community. He could have worked anywhere, but he chose to work in East Los Angeles because of his commitment to the community.”
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles, called Monserratt a “true friend.”
“Lloyd had one of the biggest hearts and most sincere commitments to community service that I have ever seen in the political arena,” Royball-Allard said. “His expertise in running political campaigns is unmatched. Furthermore, I cannot think of anyone who was more passionate and enthusiastic about helping to elect dedicated public servants.”
Strategist Henry Lozano said there would be a mixed effect on Pacheco’s re-election effort.
“When you lose a giant like that, absolutely it hurts,” Lozano said. “But in a sad way, it’s a positive. He wanted this race bad, and now everyone wants to win it for Lloyd.”
He is survived by a finacee, as well as his mother, brother and nephew.
Funeral services are pending.
Copyright 2003, Metropolitan News Company