🕒 Created

Karen Bass and Nithya Raman Trade Sharp Jabs During First Mayoral Debate

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman faced off in a 90-minute debate on Wednesday to discuss their respective bids for the city's mayoralty. The two candidates sparred over the city's primary issues, including homelessness, housing density, and public safety. Nithya Raman criticized Karen Bass for the lack of progress on homelessness, noting that unsheltered homelessness rose by 8% in the last year. Raman countered that her own council district saw a 49% decrease in unsheltered homelessness. Karen Bass defended her signature Inside Safe program, though she faced criticism from Raman regarding its $400 million cost and lack of audits. The candidates also disagreed on fiscal management and police hiring. Raman argued that a 2023 pay raise for the LAPD contributed to a city deficit, while Karen Bass pointed to Raman's past support for "defunding the police." The debate concluded with both candidates highlighting their plans to support the film industry and advocate for state-level tax credits.

Sources