Who is Garcetti trying to fool?
This morning, I was happy to see Rick Orlov’s article in the Daily News regarding the various challengers in the City Council races (“LA council hopefuls press for change”). To date, little media attention has been paid to the challengers, despite the fact that many are running aggressive campaigns against the incumbent.
In the section focusing on my particular race against Garcetti, I was dismayed to read Garcetti’s explanation for why he won’t participate in a real debate with me:
“I think we should have back-to-back appearances, but I don’t want to get involved in anything direct-to-direct negative campaigning type thing,” Garcetti said.
What is negative about having a real debate, where we can respond to questions and engage with one another on the issues affecting the people? Garcetti has been in office for 8 years, and to think that his challenger would not want to question his positions throughout the course of his time in office is absurd. I would not be running against him if I agreed with his approach and policy positions. To say it’s negative to question his record is an attempt to stifle open dialogue.
It is not negative to disagree; in fact, political disagreement is one of the foundations of our democratic system. It is not out of bounds to ask about the contributions Garcetti has received from billboard companies and developers since these contributions very likely determine his policy positions. It is not far-fetched to want to know why he pushed through Prop B with little public dialogue and before disclosing the “secret report” to the public. The public should hear his explanation for supporting high-density developments, even when the developments displace the homes of low-income families and destroy rent control. I further want to know why he failed to agree to accept public matching funds from the City (which entails requiring him to participate in a debate), when he publicly touts his support for campaign finance reform. These questions, and many more, are all fair game, and I’m just scratching the surface.
The public has a right to know where both my opponent and I stand on the issues that affect them. I encourage everyone to contact Garcetti’s office and ask him to participate in a debate. The voters of the 13th Council District deserve it.
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