Bass and Raman Clash in Final Debate Before Election

Closing Arguments

In the final moments of the debate, Councilmember Nithya Raman emphasized her view that Mayor Karen Bass is an absentee leader. Raman insisted that Los Angeles cannot endure another four years marked by decline and excuses. Contrarily, Bass highlighted her extensive public service career, particularly her efforts on homelessness and opposition to the Trump administration’s policies.

Raman criticized Bass for the rising homelessness despite substantial financial resources being allocated to address the issue. Raman promised a functional and affordable city if elected. Bass countered by questioning if voters want someone who has voted against clearing encampments near schools and hiring more police officers, especially with the approaching major sporting event in the U.S.

Problem Properties in Los Angeles

Alejandro Ortiz questioned the slow response to complaints about problem properties in L.A. Raman argued that city departments do not communicate effectively or work fast enough. She pledged to improve the coordination between the Department of Building and Safety and the city attorney’s office to hold property owners accountable.

Bass answered that while her office handles nuisances, she had budgeted $2 million for property clearance, which the council removed. She urged the reinstatement of those funds.

Saving Film Industry Jobs

Amid the exodus of film jobs from L.A., Bass shared her appointment of a film czar to streamline permits and lower fees. Raman, with her husband’s experience in writing, advocated for limitless tax credits to ensure productions stay local.

Immigration Policies

During questions on immigration, Bass clarified that her budget omitted funding for Represent LA due to external resources available. She expressed her past confrontations against ICE within the city. Raman stated she would prevent LAPD from sharing data with ICE and questioned trust in Bass’ response to federal immigration actions.

‘Mansion Tax’ Impacts

The Measure ULA’s mansion tax effect on housing development was debated. Raman initially supported the tax but now seeks reform for new apartment exemptions. Bass echoed the need for affordable housing development and had pushed for state tax reforms last year.

Email on Palisades Fire Response

Following the Palisades fire, Bass apologized for her absence. Raman criticized the lack of pre-emptive measures. Bass highlighted measures taken since then, including the appointment of a new fire chief with successful implementations of past reviews.

Support for Fire Department Funding

Both Bass and Raman supported Measure FD to raise local sales taxes to fund the fire department despite the additional burden on residents.

Automatic License Plate Readers

Raman expressed concerns about mass surveillance technologies, doubting their crime-reduction effectiveness. Bass argued for their utility but agreed not to renew Flock’s contract due to cooperation issues.

Homelessness and Anti-Camping Laws

Bass supports the existing anti-camping laws sparingly, criticizing Raman for opposing it. Raman had worked to clear encampment zones around schools and planned similar actions citywide if elected.

LAPD Chief’s Future

Raman suggested a need for change in LAPD leadership, citing lost trust under current Chief Jim McDonnell. However, she did not specify a timeline for his potential replacement. Bass defended McDonnell’s steady role, particularly in preparing for the Olympics.

Attack on Inside Safe Initiative

Raman disapproved of Bass’s Inside Safe homelessness program for its cost without long-term solutions. Bass defended the initiative, noting Raman’s prior approval of its funding.

Election Implications

Bass warned voters of the risk in choosing Raman, citing her votes against police funding and encampment removals as concerns. Bass needs to capture undecided and conservative vote segments to secure a victory.