LAPD chief Jim McDonnell reveals hes hopeful to remain in power when Nithya Raman is mayor
Los Angeles’ top cop isn’t packing up just yet. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell says he’s “hopeful” he can hang on under Mayor-elect Nithya Raman, even after she campaigned on giving him the boot, according to NBCLA.The embattled chief struck an optimistic tone in his first interview since the Nov.3 election, revealing that Raman reached out for a phone conversation after defeating his political ally, former Mayor Karen Bass.“We had a conversation and it was upbeat,” McDonnell told the outlet.
“It was positive and we talked about mutual goals, and so I am hopeful.”Asked whether the incoming mayor had requested his resignation, McDonnell offered a blunt, one-word answer: “No.”The cordial call marks a striking shift in tone after a bruising campaign that turned McDonnell’s future into a political flashpoint.But a friendly conversation alone doesn’t settle whether Raman will follow through on her pledge to replace him.McDonnell suggested the realities of governing could produce a different dynamic than the campaign trail.“The people have spoken and as part of the democratic process,” he said.
“People say a lot of things during campaigns.The objective is different than it is once you get into the seat.”Raman’s election victory also doesn’t give her a unilateral power to fire the chief.Under the city charter, the five-member Board of Police Commissioners can remove McDonnell before his term expires.
The City Council has a separate route to oust him, requiring a two-thirds vote to initiate proceedings and another two-thirds vote after a public hearing. That leaves McDonnell’s relationship with the civilian oversight panel under fresh scrutiny as the city prepares for a new administration.“You know, I won’t speculate as to their feelings, but my thoughts are that we’ve had a very good relationship,” he told NBCLA.McDonnell also defended his stewardship by pointing to falling crime and what he described as stronger department mo...