Supervisor Kathryn Barger voiced her support to recall Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today, citing a news report published by the Los Angeles Times as being the tipping point for her decision.
“Learning that our D.A.’s ‘Zero Bail’ policy has interfered with a diversion program’s ability to serve people who are suffering from addiction, mental illness and homelessness is unacceptable and the last straw,” said Supervisor Barger. “Diversion programs like this one seize a narrow window of opportunity to offer treatment and housing to arrested individuals who’ve hit rock bottom. But the quick release option put in place by Gascón’s policies squanders that opportunity. If there’s no rock bottom, there’s no incentive to accept help – instead, we’re left with a squandered opportunity to end suffering and help heal some of our community’s neediest individuals. As a result, I feel compelled to add my voice in support of the recall effort.”
Barger added, “I typically support election outcomes as a way of respecting the public’s right to choose, but our D.A.’s policies have led to disastrous consequences. Public safety in L.A. County has visibly deteriorated. I believe Gascón must be replaced with someone that is committed to championing victim’s rights, safety and justice. There is no doubt in my mind that recalling Gascón is an essential step so that we can course correct and refocus on creating safe and healthy communities.”
Supervisor Barger joins the Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorneys, the LA Police Protective League and the LA County Professional Peace Officers Association in supporting the Gascón recall effort.