LOS ANGELES () — With eight days left to vote, former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso says he’s voting for the person who defeated him four years ago, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“I think like most Angelenos, I’ve struggled with the choices that we have, but I’ve given it a lot of thought, especially a lot thought over the weekend,” Caruso told 7 Political Reporter Josh Haskell in an exclusive interview.
“I’ve looked at the records and I’ve made a clear decision of who I’m going to vote for…And that’s going to be Mayor Bass,” Caruso said.
Speaking about Mayor Bass, Caruso said “The last few months, almost a year, we’ve worked together and I saw a change. She has worked hard to learn from the mistakes of the past. I feel very strongly, because of my love for Los Angeles, I had to put the past behind me. This election, I believe, should not be a referendum of the past. It should be looking for the future of Los Angeles. And I think she’s the most prepared to take us into the future of L.A.”
RELATED: LA mayor race: Bass admits to mistakes on homelessness, slams Raman for wavering on key positions
Caruso praised Bass’ support of rebuilding Pacific Palisades, expediting permitting and bringing in city resources, specifically to help Caruso open his Palisades Village shopping mall back in August.
Caruso has been critical of Bass’ first term which has seen homelessness rise, crime fluctuate and experienced the devastating Palisades Fire. But, Caruso says he loves this city and has been impressed recently with Bass and her team.
“The mayor has had four years of learning on the job and she’s made a lot of mistakes. I’ve been critical of her. I’ve be honest, but I’m also honest when she’s tried to do the right things and she has done the right thing,” said Caruso.
“It’s not just about helping me. I’ve asked for no personal help. It’s about helping these communities that were so devastated. And she’s been open-minded to the suggestions how to get help and public-private partnerships and working together. So, I’ve been impressed with that. She hasn’t been stubborn about it,” he added.
RELATED: LA Mayor Karen Bass, Rick Caruso come together for Palisades Recreation Center groundbreaking
Caruso, a former LAPD Police Commissioner, said he has concerns about Bass’ opponent in the race, LA city councilmember Nithya Raman. Caruso said that’s a big reason why he’s speaking out now.
“I also feel strongly that Councilwoman Raman is not ready for the job. She’s not prepared for the jobs. I think the positions she’s taken with Chief McDonnell are reckless. I think it shows from my point of view as a former police commissioner and the president of the commission, the importance of that job cannot be overstated. And Jimmy McDonnell is regarded as one of the best chiefs of police in this country. The mayor made the right choice, appointing him. And Nithya Raman has continued to double down, saying she’s going to remove him,” Caruso said.
“It will not be good for the city. It will take us back years, which we don’t want to do. Not good for LAPD morale. And we’re an appointed LAPD that we need to build up the force, and it’s been tough recruiting. And so when you have these kind of proposed changes at the top, you’re just making it that much more difficult to keep our city safe, especially in light of the Olympics.”
Although Caruso wouldn’t call this an endorsement, he said he wanted to be clear about who he’s supporting. 7 reached out to the Raman and Bass campaigns for reaction and will update once we hear back.
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