After taking some time to process my personal reactions related to statements made in the recordings which have been released, my first and foremost concern is for the well-being of Mike Bonin’s son. Councilmember Bonin and I served as Chiefs of Staff together and my heart breaks to see the impacts of these hateful statements on his beautiful family. I wish Mike and Sean the best, as they take steps to do what’s best for their family at this time.
The racist views and approaches to governing expressed by Councilmembers Martinez, Cedillo and DeLeon represent everything that is wrong in our city government. In a council whose membership is filled with historic firsts, prejudice should have no place in the leadership conversations of our community. This approach to governance seeks only to pit disenfranchised and often traumatized communities against one another, in a moment in our history when unity couldn’t be more critical. Councilmembers Martinez, Cedillo and DeLeon have disqualified themselves as leaders who are capable of bringing people together to create equitable public policy and a way forward for Los Angeles. Each of them should demonstrate their commitment to the healing of Los Angeles, by tendering their resignations from public office.
Our diversity as a city is our greatest asset as we take on the challenges the world presents us with and from this, it is my hope that a better Los Angeles will emerge.
