I know we live in an age in which it seems that everyone can do anything. All they need is the desire to do it, as they say. We just had three major people vying to be the mayor of Los Angeles, California—one of the largest cities in the U.S.A.
One of them had zero experience running any civically elected administrative post or even participating in one at any level. The other had membership experience as a sitting elected board member.
A brief description of the official duties of L.A.’s mayor would be the following:
A. The city’s chief executive: This role does not mean a ceremonial post; it means having the broad powers to actually manage and oversee the administrative operations of all city departments. The role also consists of setting city policy directions and representing the city to the public, other governments, and the world. For example, the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games are coming to Los Angeles in 2028. The mayor speaks on behalf of the city.
B. Is responsible for proposing the annual city budget to the city council, approving or vetoing city ordinances, and managing city appropriations and transfers.
C. Has the authority to make appointments and remove other city officials—for example, Mayor Bass recently fired the L.A. fire chief—and can appoint and remove other city officials, commissioners, and department heads, subject to council approval.
D. Recommends and submits policy proposals, enforces city ordinances, and maintains coordination and compliance between city departments.
E. Coordinates the visits of foreign and domestic dignitaries and represents the city in public and private engagements.
F. The mayor serves as emergency management in situations that threaten the city and serves as director of the Emergency Operations Organization, leading the city’s response to dangerous situations for the city when necessary.
G. The mayor must effectively manage a large and complex urban bureaucracy. Los Angeles is currently the second-largest city in the U.S., with 3.9 million residents and covering 469 square miles.
H. The mayor’s position requires the political skill to push legislation through, negotiate with other elected personnel, secure and maintain resources for the populace, and maintain the public’s trust while concurrently coordinating large agencies, building coalitions, and executing long-term city plans.
This is not a job for just anyone who gets the notion to be in charge. You must have real skills.
In the recent mayoral race, Councilwoman Raman could claim some skill and expertise, but Mr. Pratt could not. He was simply someone who figured, ‘Aw, this can’t be that difficult.’ Fortunately, the voters did not see it that way.
Hopefully, in November, the common sense and final tally of the majority of Angelenos will keep Mayor Bass where she belongs—as the mayor of Los Angeles.
