The Case Against Re-electing L.A. DA George Gascón: Why Taxpayers Must Demand Accountability

In Los Angeles County, a region celebrated for its diversity and spirit of innovation, a critical examination of District Attorney George Gascón’s tenure reveals a pressing need for a recalibration of priorities. As the county grapples with escalating crime rates and a homelessness crisis, taxpayers must realize the fiscal ramifications of DA Gascón’s prosecutorial record, and make a change in this Tuesday’s primary election.

Gascón’s administration, characterized by a significant shift towards pro-criminal justice reform, has harmed victims, their families, and the average taxpayer who faces the indirect burdens of his actions. Over the last two years, property crimes have increased a staggering 14 to 42%, highlighting a troubling correlation: a spike in crime, particularly retail theft and “smash-and-grab” incidents, have surged under overly lenient policies like zero-bail and the elimination of the three-strike system. This uptick not only undermines public confidence but also imposes substantial economic burdens on a county already wrestling with affordability crises and inequality.

The economic fallout from these policies is far-reaching. LA’s 460,000 small business owners, already navigating the treacherous waters of economic recovery, face increased vulnerability to property crimes, directly impacting their livelihoods and the local economy’s vitality. The surge in brazen daylight robberies and organized retail theft has sent shockwaves through communities, compelling retailers big and small to shutter their doors or invest heavily in security measures, costs that are inevitably passed on to consumers.

Beyond the immediate impact on businesses, the broader economic implications are stark. Investor confidence wanes in the face of rising crime, stymieing economic growth and job creation. Property values, already weakened by anti-growth tax policies like Measure ULA, are threatened as safety becomes a paramount concern for residents and potential buyers alike. Moreover, the county’s allocation of resources towards law enforcement and judicial processes, when not matched with effective prosecutorial strategies, represents a misallocation of taxpayer dollars, fostering a cycle of crime with diminishing returns on public safety investments.

As Los Angeles County stands at this pivotal crossroads, taxpayers are faced with a consequential decision: to continue the policies that have not delivered the promised improvements in safety and justice and have placed additional economic strain on taxpayers or prioritize public safety. The upcoming election represents a critical moment for voters to assert their demand for a balanced approach to criminal justice—one that genuinely reflects the complexities of reform and prioritizes the economic and social well-being of all residents.

Rejecting the re-election of DA George Gascón is a stance not against the spirit of reform but in favor of a strategy that comprehensively addresses the county’s unique challenges. It advocates for a vision of justice that integrates accountability, safety, and fiscal responsibility.

The choice at the ballot box is thus one of the most consequential decisions our county will make on Tuesday, extending beyond the fate of a single office to the very essence of Los Angeles County’s future. Voting against Gascón, and for a competent and pro-public safety prosecutor like Jonathan Hatami, who the Los Angeles County Taxpayers Association has endorsed, is our chance to voice a collective demand for leadership that harmonizes the ideals of fairness and justice with the imperatives of safety and economic resilience, ensuring a thriving LA for generations to come.