To the editor: The Times editorial board has endorsed the Los Angeles County District. Lawyer. George Gascón for re-election. What are you smoking?
The public realized they made a terrible mistake when they elected him in 2020 and tried to unseat this guy twice. It last narrowly escaped a recall election in 2022, after 27% of the signatures submitted by recall supporters were determined to be invalid.
Deputy prosecutors participated in the signing process in my neighborhood. The governments of more than 30 cities in Los Angeles County have approved votes of no confidence against Gascón.
What does that tell you? And yet, he believes he should be re-elected. Disturbing!
The most important concept in our civilization is that there are consequences for violating our laws. Perception is very important, and that is the problem with Gascón: he is perceived to lean towards criminals and not towards victims.
Marcus Kourtjian, Northridge
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To the editor: You omitted an important weakness of Gascón's mandate.
Although, as the editorial mentions, many of the criticisms of its policies are false and based on political agendas, it has established certain policies on sentencing enhancements and on the management of juvenile offenders that should be abandoned, not because the underlying sentiment of moderation a policy often too A harsh system is a mistake, but because it is not advisable to have blanket “zero exceptions” policies in a professional office.
For example, look at your general policies on many sentencing enhancements, which show a lack of trust in your office staff. Surely there must be some cases that cry out for greater punishment. Aren't there enough competent deputy prosecutors to have a panel that decides these things on a case-by-case basis?
Gascón's government has generated resentment in the ranks.
I am a former deputy public defender and have not decided who I will vote for, but I would feel much more comfortable with Gascón if he abandoned these ill-conceived blanket policies.
Andrew E. Rubin, Los Angeles
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To the editor: I am a delusional liberal, sometimes even called the very offensive term “libtard.”
But I do not support Gascón for district attorney. There are just some jobs where I don't want someone like me.
Susan Hodgson, Burbank
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To the editor: The Times' recent endorsement of Gascón includes mention of his tenure as police chief and district attorney in San Francisco.
That's like supporting Donald Trump because he's a real estate investor.
Reading The Times opinion page is a good reminder of why I live and vote elsewhere.
David Busse, Columbia Falls, Mont.
