When the Times recently polled voters in the Kevin de Leon council district, the survey asked respondents to tell in their own words what they had recently heard or read about their councilor. I asked for
Some reactions were positive. But the overwhelming majority reflects the dissatisfaction many in the district feel about De Leon. outnumbered voters who viewed him favorably.
Overall, about 6 in 10 voters say they’ve seen, read, or heard something recently that influenced their thinking about De Leon. About three-quarters of them said what they learned hurt council members.
When asked to identify what they heard, many of the voters provided simple answers: former City Council Speaker Nury Martinez and former Alderman Gil Cedillo. He “refused to resign”, reflecting the controversy within the district over De Leon’s request to resign.
But other voters provided longer comments, laying out their thoughts in more detail. Some noted protests over De Leon’s refusal to resign. Others remembered a recent incident in which De Leon and his protesters got into a shoving match with toy presents.
One statement made by De Leon during the recorded meeting appeared to have made a particularly strong impression on voters: a speech after the recording surfaced.
“Do you remember specifically what you saw, read, or heard about Kevin De Leon recently?”
And here’s an excerpt of the voter’s own worded response. Respondents are only identified by gender, ethnicity, and age group to maintain the anonymity of the poll.
From a supporter:
Caucasian Male, 65+
I heard about the protests at his house, but from above, I disagree with it. He’s done good things in the past—the state government. The only mistake he made was standing up defensively — being gay rights friendly and doing good.
Latino Male, 65+
when he was attacked [I] I heard he was accused of something I don’t believe
Latino Female, 50-65
his comment…he messed up
From your opponent:
Latino Male, 18-34
He likened black children to handbags and did not demonstrate leadership when people around him were racist.
Asian American Female, 18-34
He made anti-black racist remarks at a closed-door meeting with Nuri Martinez and other city council members.
Latino Male, 50-65
I think you heard about it recently, but there was a match where it was kind of pushing and pushing. … I know he’s refusing to step down and really trying to fix the fence.
Caucasian male, 18-34 years old
Transcripts of his racist comments and efforts to gerrymander his district, and lies about his subsequent actions, disrespect of his role, resignation or refusal to face the consequences of his actions; .
Asian American female, 50-65 years old
A typical career politician who jumps from one position to the next due to term limits. Becoming a representative extends to having a residence in the area.
he likened a small child to a handbag
— Asian female, 35-49 years old
Latino Male, 50-65
Racist remarks or redistricting to benefit oneself or others in an election.
Caucasian Female, Age 50-65
he refuses to resign. He continues to collect his salary, but due to the current situation he cannot do anything for the district.
Caucasian female, 18-34 years old
There was a workers’ conference that was recorded saying very divisive things about groups of anti-black sentiment in LA. He did not challenge Nuri Martinez. Other things that clearly indicate that he does not endorse any racial background other than Latino.
Latino Male, 50-65
His reaction to the found audiotape, and I feel like he’s not reacting enough….
Caucasian Male, 65+
He doesn’t understand the quality of racist remarks.
Caucasian Female, Age 35-49
He engaged in racist comments, did not resign, and took no responsibility.
Asian Female, 35-49
He likened a young child to a handbag, said the child was black, and made racist remarks.
What are your thoughts on Kevin De Leon’s service on City Council? Leave your reply in the comments.
