In Los Angeles County, a region celebrated for its diversity and spirit of innovation, a critical examination of District Attorney George Gascón’s tenure reveals a pressing need for a recalibration of priorities. As the county grapples with escalating crime rates and a homelessness crisis, taxpayers must realize the fiscal ramifications of DA Gascón’s prosecutorial record, and make a change in this Tuesday’s primary election.
Gascón’s administration, characterized by a significant shift towards pro-criminal justice reform, has harmed victims, their families, and the average taxpayer who faces the indirect burdens of his actions. Over the last two years, property crimes have increased a staggering 14 to 42%, highlighting a troubling correlation: a spike in crime, particularly retail theft and “smash-and-grab” incidents, have surged under overly lenient policies like zero-bail and the elimination of the three-strike system. This uptick not only undermines public confidence but also imposes substantial economic burdens on a county already wrestling with affordability crises and inequality.
The economic fallout from these policies is far-reaching. LA’s 460,000 small business owners, already navigating the treacherous waters of economic recovery, face increased vulnerability to property crimes, directly impacting their livelihoods and the local economy’s vitality. The surge in brazen daylight robberies and organized retail theft has sent shockwaves through communities, compelling retailers big and small to shutter their doors or invest heavily in security measures, costs that are inevitably passed on to consumers.
Click here to read the article in the California Globe.