2025-01-11 06:31:00
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has come under intense scrutiny as wildfires, fueled by hurricane-strength winds, have devastated the city. As her city faced its greatest crisis in decades, the first-term mayor confronted a critical test of her leadership two years after taking office. “Although I wasn’t physically here, I was in touch with many of the individuals standing here throughout the entire time,” Bass said in a press conference on Thursday.”LA has to be strong, united,” Bass. “We will reject those who seek to divide us and seek to misinform.”
Criticism Over Absence and Response
A low-key, longtime legislator and coalition-builder, Bass, a 71-year-old Democrat, is now facing backlash for being out of the country during the initial stages of the disaster. Critics, including former mayoral rival Rick Caruso and Elon Musk, condemned her absence and questioned the city’s preparedness. During her 24-hour return journey, criticism mounted over dry fire hydrants and perceived inadequate support for firefighting efforts.
“We have got a mayor that is out of the country, and we have got a city that is burning,” said Rick Caruso, a developer who ran against Bass in the 2022 mayoral race, on local television, adding that two of his children’s houses were destroyed. “It looks like we’re in a third-world country here.”
Elon Musk called the mayor “utterly incompetent” in a post on his social media site X, leading a charge of conservatives slamming Bass for a cut to the city fire department’s budget in July. However, it was later boosted with additional money and officials say it now has more funding than last year.
Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into the city’s Department of Water and Power for failing to maintain water pressure during the crisis. Additionally, an online Change.org petition demanding the resignation of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has surpassed 45,000 signatures as wildfires continue to devastate Southern California. Started by a user identified as “Frustrated Californian,” the petition accuses Bass of “gross mismanagement” and a lack of leadership during the crisis.
Bass’ Leadership Style in Question
Known as a coalition-builder and low-profile legislator, Bass’ approach to governance is now being tested by the demands of an executive role. Political analysts like Fernando Guerra have noted the need for a strong, decisive presence during times of crisis, something critics argue Bass has yet to demonstrate.
Her focus on collaboration, while effective in legislative settings, has left some questioning whether she can adapt to the high-pressure, high-visibility demands of a mayor managing a natural disaster.
Future Implications for Her Legacy
Bass has vowed to conduct a thorough review of the response once the fires are under control. Experts, however, stress that her ability to lead rebuilding efforts and prioritize the city’s extensive demands, including homelessness and limited construction resources, will define her tenure.
The affected areas, including Pacific Palisades and Malibu, are home to affluent residents with little patience for slow recovery efforts. Political strategist Michael Trujillo noted that managing the reconstruction will heavily impact Bass’ political legacy.
(With inputs from AP)
Los Angeles wildfires, California fires
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