Hello Neighbors,
It has been a week of heartache, anger and disappointment for Los Angeles after three Councilmembers broke the public's trust by making racist, disparaging and insensitive comments targeting Councilmember Mike Bonin and his young son, as well as various groups of our diverse community.
Since a leaked audio recording went public, Nury Martinez has resigned from her seat on the LA City Council, signaling the beginning of the end of the nightmare that she along with Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo created for our City. But this is not enough. In order for us to get back to governing the people’s business, we will need Kevin and Gil to listen to their conscience, own their mistakes and do what’s morally right. Only then can we embark on the road toward healing.
Their abhorrent actions have cut deep into the hearts and soul of Los Angeles. It is unforgivable and the damage they have done is reprehensible. This is a time of reckoning, reflection, but more importantly action.
On Tuesday, I joined my Council colleagues in introducing a pair of motions that would censure Martinez, de León and Cedillo. No healing can begin until all three individuals are gone. I also signed onto a motion that could potentially increase the number of LA City Council seats through a charter reform ballot before voters of Los Angeles in 2024 because I strongly believe we need more accountability.
Forgiveness requires more than an apology of empty words. Accountability and integrity are the very foundation of leadership. However, we will not allow this moment to define us, and I am confident that we will emerge stronger and more united than ever before.
These last few days, Angelenos have shown their power through unity and coming together as one. And if there is any lesson to take away from this ordeal, is we will fight back against any and all adversaries that try to divide us
Sincerely,
