City Councilmember Nithya Raman voiced criticism against Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe homelessness initiative during a debate. Raman argued the program is too costly and ineffective, prompting her to enter the mayoral race. She stated, “I decided to push back against a system that I saw was failing Los Angeles.” Raman emphasized the unacceptable conditions in the city and expressed impatience with establishment politics.
The Inside Safe program, aimed at addressing homelessness, has relocated over 6,000 individuals into temporary housing like hotels and motels. However, it faced challenges with long-term success, as 42% of program participants returned to homelessness by July this year, based on data from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
Bass defended the initiative, reminding Raman that she approved the expenditures for Inside Safe over the past three years. Bass highlighted, “Every dollar that was spent on Inside Safe was approved by you.”
During the debate, Bass emphasized her focus on homelessness as a part of her mayoral campaign. She aimed to appeal to undecided voters, citing the crisis on city streets. Bass declared a state of emergency concerning homelessness on her first day in office. Despite a decline in unsheltered homelessness initially, recent counts revealed a 7.9% increase, attributed to reduced state and federal funding and lack of adequate county services.
Bass warned voters about the risks of supporting Raman, who she claimed has produced minimal results during her tenure. Bass criticized Raman’s stance on public safety, noting votes against police officers and removal of encampments near schools.
Bass faced pressure due to the elimination of Spencer Pratt from the mayoral race, with 33% of voters undecided according to a Berkeley IGS/L.A. Times poll. Pratt’s exit contributed to challenges for Bass, particularly with Latino voters, where Raman leads Bass 45% to 21%.
The final televised debate between Bass and Raman holds significance as voters approach the Nov. 3 election. Key issues include police chief politics, where Bass criticized Raman’s comments about Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Raman clarified that her remarks were distorted and originally aimed at President Trump, not the police department.
During previous debates, Raman struggled with clarity and faced criticism from opponents as she took the stage alongside Bass and Pratt. The upcoming debate presents an opportunity for her to demonstrate improved preparation and composure.
Additionally, the impact of wildfires on Bass’ favorability remains a topic of concern, although past debates largely focused on other issues. Raman may capitalize on this during their debate, reminding voters of Bass’ past challenges.
The debate, scheduled for 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., will be moderated by NBC4 and Telemundo 52. It marks the only live televised confrontation between Bass and Raman leading up to the election.