Comments
Dear Mayor Bass,
When Los Angeles was staggering from the recent catastrophic wildfires and the related heartbreaking wounds, effective first-rate leadership from the mayor was needed, but it wasn’t there.
And while the city must rebuild, and hold scheduled world-class events, wisdom and control by its chief executive become essential mandates.
Therefore, cognizant of your past actions and frustrated by your current failures, I ask you Mayor Bass not to seek reelection.
I have come to this conclusion based on my experience in delivering as a volunteer numerous transportation projects, shelters for the homeless, infrastructure, and a long and wide public service.
Today it is apparent that public trust has been crushed. Rather than abiding by your promise of a grander era of growth and respectability, we have witnessed aftermaths so mediocre that the chance for resurgence is doubtful, as is the opportunity for Los Angeles to maintain its upward advance as a world-class city.
Despite your many mistakes, not seeking reelection, may conversely preserve your legacy. Facing withering critiques during his administration, President Lyndon Johnson chose not to seek a second term, thus preserving his history and concurrently avoiding additional public turmoil. He knew when to step aside for the betterment of the American people.
Recent history at the national level provides a valuable example of how important it is for a leader to temper his/her ego sooner than later when a greater vision and promise is at risk of being foregone.
In the time remaining in office, you can play a significant role by lobbying and securing financial resources from Sacramento and Washington to effectively correct city deficiencies in numerous areas. The Pacific Palisades, Eaton/Altadena wildfires alone require $250-$300 billion for recovery.
Supplemental funding from the federal government is also needed for Metro’s transportation plan for the upcoming international events that will be staged in the Los Angeles Region.
Mayor Bass, your signature “Inside Safe” initiative which is to take Angelenos off the streets in a bold and proactive program requires constant organization and funding to succeed.
In 2026, some 48 nations will participate in the World Cup with important games to be played in the Los Angeles Region. It is anticipated that new attendance records will be set, however plans to cope with transportation and other issues have yet to be fully addressed.
A year later, in 2027, the Super Bowl will be in Inglewood, and the immense preparations will involve traffic issues and wide-ranging planning, all absent from the city’s agenda.
While the Los Angeles Olympics are a few years away, in 2028, the transportation plan and finances, judging from the successful 1984 Olympics, must be in place long before. This plan must be set in motion now, and it requires the mayor’s leadership. I am directly aware of the obstacles and hitches involved, since under my direction we implemented the overall umbrella for a transportation plan that included numerous federal, state, county and local agencies for the Olympics.
This is why, Mayor Bass, you must work now tirelessly to gain the financial strength and implement the organization needed for these major events.
Based on my experience in seeking the funds for Metro Rail, the task to convince Washington—which is becoming less friendly to California—will require a Herculean effort.
Wildfire recovery alone will be a compelling saga with formidable players and adversaries that will create delays, overruns and uncertainties. It is a hydra monster I met in the past when I oversaw numerous mega infrastructure projects for the city. Only powerful and focused leadership can yield good outcomes.
During an earlier city administration, when a shelter crisis for the homeless was declared, I was appointed to deliver projects on budget and on time, and did so, because I demanded that a creed be followed which included integrity, responsibility, trust, accountability, transparency and urgency—and robust authority over all players.
The heavy tasks facing Los Angeles must be addressed with courageous leadership, by a mayor with vision and strength who can motivate and inspire others, and who gets the job done.
For the sake of Los Angeles, and for the protection of your legacy, I respectfully ask you not to seek reelection.
Very truly yours,
Nick Patsaouras, a concerned citizen
(Nick Patsaouras is the author of The Making of Modern Los Angeles <The Making of Modern Los Angeles: Patsaouras, Nick: 9781961856424: Amazon.com: Books>. Patsaouras oversaw the ABH, A Bridge Home Emergency Temporary Housing Initiative for L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti.)
