The former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District is throwing his hat in the ring for mayor of Los Angeles next year.
Austin Beutner said in a video announcing his campaign that he was formerly a supporter of Mayor Karen Bass, but he thinks a change in leadership is needed.
Among the pressing issues he highlighted were homelessness and housing, as well as affordability and public safety.
Though Los Angeles is “adrift,” Beutner was optimistic that with new leadership, a “city-wide turnaround” is possible.
“We’ve solved tough problems before,” he said. “Together, we can get Los Angeles back on track.”
Beutner also criticized President Donald Trump and the immigration crackdowns in Los Angeles and elsewhere.
“I’ll never accept the Trump administration’s assault on our values and our neighbors,” he said.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, a spokesperson for Bass said L.A. needs to “move past divisive attacks” and highlighted accomplishments concerning housing and public safety.
“There’s more work ahead, but this administration has proven it can deliver,” the spokesperson added. “Mayor Bass is committed to building on this historic momentum in her second term.”
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