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ALPERN AT LARGE - One way or another, if we place the well-being of our families, neighborhoods, and cities over the political well-being of Mayor Karen Bass, she needs to go… and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
Los Angeles was in serious financial straits long before the disastrous fires overtook the Palisades and other nearby regions…and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
Los Angeles had an infrastructure crisis for years prior to the aforementioned disasters, which Mayor Bass did not prioritize… and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
Homelessness was getting worse on her watch, despite all her attempts to be kind when it was NOT balanced with being tough (especially towards non-Angeleno homeless individuals moving here to live off the good will and resources of Angelenos) … and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
We’ve been so focused on the safety and benefits of those here illegally, and fighting the federal government who we’ll need to work with for funding of all sorts of necessary governmental priorities, that we’ve ignored the good will and needs of those here legally… and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
Our mass transit system that we’re (rightfully) expanding has become notorious for safety and operational issues… and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
Enter the fires…
Some form of disaster was inevitable with these recent weather conditions, but the lack of water and related infrastructure made this disaster infinitely worse… and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
Mayor Bass had no business being far and away when she promised to be here (particularly during the weather this time of year), and her quiet stone-faced response (LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lax-XgkI1w) speaks volumes… and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
The ongoing lack of empathy, leadership, and recognition of the Mayor’s lack of leadership (LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHccakEl5Mc) also speaks volumes … and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
There is virtually NO credibility or trust that Mayor Karen Bass can still run this city, let alone embark on the Olympics venture due by summer 2028… and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
The recall campaigns of Mayor Bass (with Governor Newsom, to boot) are well-earned, and many have buyer’s remorse of voting for those two “leaders” (LINK: https://www.newsweek.com/karen-bass-gavin-newsom-recall-election-wildfires-2014029) … and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
After all, the owner of the L.A. Times, one Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, is hardly the only one bearing sentiments that the leading L.A. newspaper’s endorsement of Karen Bass for Mayor was a mistake (LINK: https://www.newsweek.com/karen-bass-endorsement-mistake-says-los-angeles-times-owner-2014435) … and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
Therefore we have three choices at this time:
1) Karen Bass resigns.
2) Karen Bass is recalled.
3) Karen Bass dedicates the remainder of her term towards rebuilding L.A., and makes it clear that she will NOT run for re-election.
Arguably, that last option is the ONLY viable option if Karen Bass wishes to have any potential as a future political leader…
… and both Mayor Bass and the rest of us darned well know it.
(Kenneth S. Alpern, M.D, is a dermatologist who has served in clinics in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties, and is a proud husband and father. He was active for 20 years on the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) as a Board Member focused on Planning and Transportation, and helped lead the grassroots efforts of the Expo Line as well as connecting LAX to MetroRail. His latest project is his fictional online book entitled The Unforgotten Tales of Middle-Earth, and can be reached at [email protected]. The views expressed in this article are solely those of Dr. Alpern.)
