by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright February 5, 2002
All Rights Reserved.

tepping up to the plate, Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn passed his first major test in office, resisting pressure from key supporters to endorse Police Chief Bernard C. Parks for another 5-year term. Matching campaign rhetoric with action, Hahn promised to put Los Angeles before special interest groups, refusing to allow long-term friendships and political favors to influence his decisions. Hahn indicated that Parks had not done enough to fight crime, implement community-based policing and reform the LAPD. By anyone's measures, Parks' abysmal approval ratings—and equally low-morale among LAPD's rank-and-file—left Hahn no other option. With attrition at all time highs and the department understaffed by 1200 officers, the LAPD is desperately in need of new leadership. Since the Rampart scandal first broke, Parks has been back on his heels, denying involvement and resisting recommended reforms. While admirable, Parks wasn't helped by former Mayor Richard Riordan's unqualified support.

      Now in the hands of the independent civilian Police Commission, Hahn can sleep soundly knowing that he acted on conscience. Announcing his decision to a group of African American activists and politicians, it wasn't easy delivering bad news. "I am very, very upset," said Urban League president John Mack, mirroring the shock and disappointment expressed by Parks' supporters at the meeting. Parks' defenders have already accused Mitzi Grasso and the Police Protective League of veiled racism. For the young mayor, whose initial political support came largely from the Black community, coming of age wasn't easy. Yet, the facts speak for themselves: Rising crime, deteriorated morale, poor recruitment, reluctance to implement the federal consent decree, and a failure to institute community-based policing can't be ignored. Despite Hahn's Jan. 30 notice, Parks still announced, within 24-hours, his intention to seek a second term. Without the mayor's support, Parks knows he faces a steep climb. Going public, Hahn doesn't compromise the Police Commission—he lets the public know exactly where he stands and what's best for Los Angeles.

      Like the mayor, the Police Commission also must weigh the stubborn facts without emotional baggage. Few people can't help but marvel at Parks' rise to the top, during a distinguished 37-year career, but the Police Commission must coldly weigh out the facts. Enron's ex-CEO Ken Lay also wants to ignore what happened on his watch. But managers, like Parks, must accept responsibility for rising crime rates and poor employee morale. After Rampart, Parks routinely denied that his department suffered from systemic problems. He insisted that Rampart was a fluke, isolated to only one division. With its long paramilitary history, the LAPD couldn't self-correct without betraying its chain of command. No one begrudges the LAPD the tools to maintain law and order, but the public can't tolerate self-preservation at the expense of public safety. Hahn's decision to oppose Parks hinged purely on his performance, not his loyalty to special interest groups.

      Responding to the news, Police Commission president Rick Caruso welcomed Hahn's opinion, but stressed his independence. "I would certainly like his opinion, mostly because he's the mayor and he's had 20 years of experience working with the chief," said Caruso. "But it's not going to influence how I make my decision, nor do I think he would want it to." Going through great pains to show impartiality can't deny that Hahn's opinion packs a lot of punch. Hahn's handpicked commissioners aren't going to defy his wishes, or, for that matter, ignore all the overwhelming evidence militating against extending Parks' contract. No matter how disappointed, Hahn must act in the public interest, not any one group. "What a disappointment from every segment represented at the table," said Rev. Cecil Murray of the First AME Church, still in disbelief over Hahn's decision. "I think there's going to be a great deal of anger and, perhaps in some quarters, surprise and betrayal, given the tremendous support that mayor Hahn received from this community," said Mack, applying undue pressure and highlighting his community's unrealistic expectations.

      Hahn won the mayor's race not representing one district, but by building large coalitions around the city. Nearly all of conservative Republican Steve Soboroff's 20% primary vote went to Hahn over Antonio Villaraigosa. Even most of liberal Democrat Joel Wach's 10% primary vote also went to Hahn, leaving Villaraigosa 10% shy of winning city hall. How any one group expects special favors is anyone's guess. Parks' re-appointment must stand on the merits, not satisfying the demands of any one group. Without Rampart, rising crime, and an internal culture resistant to change, Parks would have earned a second term. "It's one of those great political no-win situations and, if you can't win either way, then the best thing is always to do the right thing, do what is the right decision anyway," said Hahn last week on KFWB's call-in show "Ask The Mayor." In reality, Hahn's decision isn't a no-win situation: It's a win-win for him and the city of Los Angeles. No one community or group can expect the mayor to abandon common sense and betray his responsibility to represent all the people.

      Three cheers to Mayor Hahn for withstanding the pressure and meeting the test. Facing budget shortfalls and rising unemployment, it's time for the nation's second largest city to put its house in order. Only a beginning, a change in management at Parker Center is long overdue. Finishing out his term, it's time for Parks to know when to call it quits. Announcing his intention to seek a second term without the mayor's support displays the wrong spirit for a city moving in a new direction. "We look to be part of what Mayor Hahn has in store for the city of Los Angeles," said Parks at a party celebrating his 37th anniversary, only 24-hours after the mayor told him he would not endorse his re-appointment. With that kind of disconnect, it's no wonder that Rampart happened and that LAPD morale hit a new low. Mayor Hahn has spoken for the vast majority of Angelenos. It's now time for Chief Parks to get the message.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com and columnist for the Los Angeles Daily Journal. He's director of a Los Angeles think tank specializing in political consulting and strategic communication. He's the author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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