Nithya Raman struggles to answer tough questions in first press conference as LA mayor-elect

Los Angeles Mayor-elect Nithya Raman sidestepped questions about whether she still intends to oust LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell and reduce police staffing during a brief first press conference Thursday.“You know, I have spoken to leadership at LAPD already.In fact, I spoke to Chief McDonnell earlier today, and it was one of the first calls that I made,” Raman said during an appearance at the Original Farmers Market.

“Because public safety is the most important service that the city is delivering to its people.It is hands down the most important service.”But the Democratic Socialists of America-backed city councilwoman stopped short of directly answering whether she would follow through on her campaign pledge to replace McDonnell or make major changes to the LAPD.“I want to make sure that whatever happens over this transition, that we are prepared to deliver that service at the level that Angelenos expect when I take office in mid-December,” Raman continued.

“And I know Chief McDonnell is committed to that, I am committed to that, and will continue those discussions.”The questions came hours after the latest Los Angeles County election returns showed Raman with 460,772 votes, or 52.70%, compared with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass’s 413,519 votes, or 47.30%, giving Raman a 47,253-vote lead.Raman’s lead has grown dramatically since Tuesday night, when Bass initially held a narrow 9,941-vote advantage.The race has since swung by 57,194 votes in Raman’s favor as successive batches of ballots have broken heavily toward the challenger.Bass conceded the race Thursday, clearing the way for Raman to become Los Angeles’ first DSA-endorsed mayor.During Raman’s appearance at the farmers market shortly after 5 p.m., she appeared flanked by campaign aides and City Hall staffers as curious shoppers and passersby stopped to catch a glimpse of the city’s incoming mayor.Raman fielded only a handful of questions from the 30 or so reporters gathered before depart...