Democrats’ Shortcomings on LA Wildfire Response: Community Letters

The Problem: The responses of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass amidst rampant wildfires.

The evident shortcomings in leadership across Los Angeles are becoming increasingly clear (“Seeing red at blue ruin,” Editorial, Jan. 12).

In deep-blue cities and states, politicians often do not serve the interests of their constituents; instead, they are primarily influenced by the donors backing their campaigns.

The popular-vote win by President-elect Donald Trump signaled that voters nationwide are becoming more aware of this corruption.

Yet, in the heavily liberal state of California, he only garnered 38% of the vote. Now, residents of California are facing harsh realities.

This wildfire may mark the decline of Democratic power in California, which could benefit the nation at large, akin to the saying, “as California goes, so goes the country.”

Rob Grien

West Stockbridge, Mass.

The extent of destruction faced by homes, businesses, and schools in Los Angeles County during these California wildfires is almost unfathomable. What is certain is that devastation spares no one, impacting both the wealthy and the less fortunate alike.

The destruction of affluent neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Malibu serves as a stark wake-up call to the elite, who are typically insulated from the repercussions of the progressive policies they unquestioningly support.

If Hollywood liberals come to realize the faults in their judgment and decide to challenge the Democratic establishment in order to salvage the state, a glimmer of hope might emerge from the current calamity engulfing California.

Jack Kaufman

Naples, Fla.

It is disgraceful for anyone to politicize the wildfires in California.

Many are citing the $50 billion cost of these fires, but Hurricane Milton in Florida also had a similar price tag, and I have not seen the same blame directed at Gov. Ron DeSantis.

He had more than a week’s notice to prepare for the hurricane, compounded by a water shortage during the crisis. Yet the Democrats did not use it as a political tool; instead, they focused on aiding affected individuals.

Shame on those exploiting this tragedy for political gain.

Raymond Mangano

Brooklyn

This is not the first wildfire Southern California has experienced. However, the Democratic leadership, including Newsom and the largely Democratic Legislature, appears unable to manage the state effectively in such crises.

Progressives seem more focused on virtue-signaling and adhering to woke ideologies rather than implementing practical solutions. It feels as though they welcome these wildfires as opportunities to blame climate change.

They show no willingness to shift their approach, even when their policies lead to evident disasters.

As long as those in charge neglect proper forest management and the collection of runoff water in northern California, prioritizing a little-known fish instead, the state will continue to experience terrible tragedies like this.

Edward J. Cooper

Glenmont

Both New York and California share a political landscape dominated by Democrats, with issues like homelessness, rising crime, high taxes, poor educational outcomes, infrastructural failures, and elevated utility costs being prevalent in both states.

When the public finally awakens to these realities, they will have the power to vote out Gov. Hochul, Mayor Adams, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass, and other like-minded officials, alongside left-leaning City Council members and educational boards.

The question remains: When will this awakening occur?

Larry Hootnick

Watermill

Months after Mayor Bass cut $17 million from the Fire Department’s budget, she left for an inauguration in Ghana. This follows LA voters’ decision to recall their ineffective district attorney, and now there are mounting calls to remove Bass as well.

If voters continue to elect these Democrats, they will get what they deserve. Wake up, New York; this is happening here too!

Rob Cerone

Manhattan

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