Mayor Karen Bass Failed Los Angeles with Bad Policy Decisions and Should Resign

By Kyle, Contributor

​Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing significant backlash over her decision to cut the Los Angeles Fire Department's (LAFD) budget by $17.6 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This reduction, which was the second-largest cut in her budget, has come into sharp focus as the city battles some of the most destructive wildfires in its history.

Bass initially proposed a cut of $23 million, but it was reduced to $17.6 million. Critics argue that these cuts have compromised the LAFD's ability to respond effectively to the ongoing wildfires, especially given the backdrop of fierce Santa Ana winds and the department's plea for off-duty firefighters to assist. Reports have surfaced of fire hydrants running dry and insufficient water pressure, further fueling the criticism against Bass, particularly after it was revealed she was in Ghana during the initial stages of the wildfires.

The controversy is compounded by the fact that while the fire department's budget was being cut, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) saw an increase in its budget by $126 million. Critics, including notable figures like LA Times owner Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, have questioned the mayor's priorities, especially in light of the city's emergency response capabilities.

Bass has defended her budget decisions, asserting that the cuts did not impact the response to the fires, but she has faced scrutiny for not being physically present in the city at the onset of the crisis. Moreover, additional budget cut demands of $49 million, revealed in a leaked memo, have intensified the criticism, suggesting potential closure of up to 16 fire stations, which could further strain the department's resources.

The situation has sparked a debate over leadership, emergency preparedness, and budget allocation in Los Angeles, with many residents and online commentators expressing frustration over her absence and the budgetary decisions. While Bass has emphasized the unprecedented nature of the fires and her focus on saving lives and homes, the backlash continues to grow, especially on social media and in political commentary circles.