Caruso opposes recall campaign against LA Mayor Bass

Rick Caruso, a former candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, has publicly opposed the recall campaign against current Mayor Karen Bass. Caruso, who lost to Bass in the 2022 election, believes that a recall is unnecessary at this time. He expressed his views on social media, stating that Los Angeles needs unity and focus on rebuilding, rather than political distractions. The recall effort gained momentum after criticism of Mayor Bass’s response to devastating fires in the Pacific Palisades, which destroyed many homes and businesses. Bass was out of the country in Ghana when the fires broke out, a situation for which she has apologized. Recently, she also fired Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who appealed the decision but was unsuccessful. The recall campaign has drawn mixed reactions. Some supporters believe that accountability is essential, while others agree with Caruso that a recall would be costly and unlikely to succeed. Caruso argues that the city should prioritize its recovery rather than engage in a divisive recall effort. To initiate a recall election, supporters need to gather signatures from 15% of registered voters in Los Angeles. Critics of the recall have labeled it as a politically motivated attempt to create division at a critical time for the city.