UMVA has learned that residents of Los Angeles are voicing their concerns about homelessness as a top problem facing the city, but are divided on which mayoral candidate can effectively tackle the issue.
In a series of conversations outside a Bristol Farms market in LA's Westchester neighborhood, residents expressed their frustrations and hopes for a solution to the city's homelessness crisis. Shelley Zuckerman, a supporter of reality TV star Spencer Pratt's mayoral bid, said she believes his outsider status and passion for change make him the right choice.
Zuckerman explained that Pratt's willingness to take action and lack of political baggage are key factors in her support. "The fact that he's not a politician, so he may or may not be a liar, we don't know that yet, and I know that he wants to do something for LA that the politicians have been saying they're going to do and then don't," she said.
Crime is also a pressing concern for some residents, with Zuckerman's husband Saul citing it as a motivating factor to vote for Pratt. The couple's support for Republican Steve Hilton for governor reflects their desire for change in the city's leadership.
Not everyone shares Zuckerman's enthusiasm for Pratt, however. Patrick Reynolds, a neighborhood resident, expressed his dissatisfaction with all the candidates, calling Pratt a "clown" before reluctantly admitting he voted for incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Despite his reservations, Reynolds believes Bass is the best choice to address homelessness.
Reynolds spoke about the problems with homelessness, including the deterioration of a local park that has become "too dangerous" to visit. He also expressed his support for billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer for governor, highlighting the need for effective leadership on these issues.
For Diane, a Bass supporter, homelessness is a top priority, and she believes the incumbent mayor has made a genuine effort to address the problem. Diane appreciates Bass's down-to-earth approach and non-billionaire status, which she thinks makes her more relatable.
Diane's support for former Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for governor stems from his background as an immigrant who has worked his way up. She values his sensibility and lack of billionaire status, which she believes make him a good fit for the role.
Dan Madden, a resident of nearby Manhattan Beach, expressed his admiration for Pratt, saying if he could vote in LA proper, he'd choose him as his candidate. Madden believes Pratt is the right person to bring about change in Los Angeles, which he feels has been "screwed" over the past 20 years.
Madden's concerns about homelessness are echoed by many residents, who feel that the issue has not been adequately addressed. He notes that while some areas have been cleaned up, the homeless population tends to return, highlighting the need for a more effective solution.
The mayoral primary will determine which two candidates advance to the November general election. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, they will automatically be named the next mayor, making the stakes high for the candidates vying for the top spot.
