The Mayor vs. the Chief

Citing higher crime rates and slipping morale, Mayor James Hahn last week said he would not support the bid by L.A. Police Chief Bernard Parks for a second five-year term. The move sparked outrage from some in the African-American community, which had staunchly supported both Parks and Hahn. The Los Angeles Police Commission is now taking up the matter. So the Business Journal asks:

Should Chief Bernard Parks stay or go?

Joe Cerrell

Chairman

Cerrell Associates

Personally, if I’m not wanted somewhere, I’m out the door. I’ve never wanted to be where I’m not wanted. (Parks) has got to see the handwriting the (chiefs) before him did. When your time is up, it’s up, and you move on. Bernie Parks was never elected to anything, and he might disagree with Hahn’s decision, but Hahn is the mayor. I’m not getting into the merits, but it’s the mayor’s decision, he’s the boss.

Connie Rice

Co-Director

The Advancement Project

His reappointment shouldn’t be based on the crime rate, because cops can’t affect the crime rate. And it’s absurd to reduce this to race. I think there’s a fundamental and profound canyon of difference over the vision of policing. I think Chief Parks believes in the old vision of policing, the blue line paramilitary style of doing things. He’s not the right person unless he can entirely embrace the Christopher Commission and implement it. And I don’t know if he can do that.

Daniel Sokatch

Executive Director

Progressive Jewish Alliance

After a decade of trying to get politics out of this process, we have the three most power politicians in Los Angeles the Mayor, the City Attorney (Rocky Delgadillo) and (district attorney) Steve Cooley weighing in on whether this guy should stay or go. This compromises the ability of the police commission to do its job, which is to recommend whether the chief should stay or go. I’m really fumed about the whole process, and I would sum it up by saying that policies not personalities and politics should decide this process. Has anybody noticed that we’ve heard and very little about the issues and a lot about the personalities involved?

Patty DeDominic

Chief Executive

PDQ Personnel

I think the chief has done an excellent job of restoring law and order in Southern California. His record and his accomplishments show he should stay. He took a very tough job and has proven his leadership, proven that he has the ability to make tough decisions. Character is very important in a leader. He runs a huge organization, and he’s done a great job, especially considering the size of the battleship he had to turn around.

Richard Lichtenstein

President

Marathon Communications

I think the Chief was certainly making strides with the department. The challenge for the chief is to determine whether or not his continuing to pursue a second term will be more divisive for the community than constructive. If he can find support in the community, I think he ought to continue to pursue it. But if he can’t, it might be better to reconsider his circumstances. I don’t think the chief or anyone else wants to see this city ripped apart by a political battle.