L.A. City Councilman Mike Bonin Takes the Coward’s Way Out, Claiming He Needs to Attend to ‘Health and Wellness’ – Opinion

The fallout from California’s progressive policies is finally hitting the right people. Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin was able to avoid recall. He realized that his mental state needed attention and decided not to run.

Los Angeles Daily News

Mike Bonin, Los Angeles City Councilman, announced Wednesday Jan 26 that he would not be running for another term in June’s primary. He said he instead plans to focus on his health.

“I’ve struggled for years with depression. It’s a constant companion, and often a heavy one. This job can be a blessing and a curse. Instead of seeking another term, it’s time for me to focus on health and wellness,” Bonin announced on Twitter.

On the one hand, it’s wise to know when you desperately need some “self-care.” On the other hand, he should have done it before he helped destroy what used to be a fun and attractive part of the City of Los Angeles. Southern Californians wanted The Strand, Venice Beach as one of their top tourist destinations.

Not. Anymore.

The District 11 councilman, who is one of the City Council’s most progressive members, won his last election in 2017 with 71% of the vote. He announced previously that he will seek reelection for the district which encompasses Venice, Pacific Palisades Mar Vista, Westchester, and Westchester.

Bonin was targeted by a recall campaign that began in 2021. Holly L. Wolcott, Los Angeles City Clerk, announced January 18 that the recall effort was unsuccessful in obtaining enough signatures for it to be eligible for the ballot.

The recall campaign was begun by constituents upset with Bonin’s handling of the homelessness crisis. Bonin preferred a housing-first approach to homelessness, rather than enforcing the removal of encampments.

The recall may have failed, but the taint on Bonin’s reputation remains—as it should. Instead of actually course correcting and making strides to address his constituents’ legitimate concerns, like the coward he is, he refuses to be challenged—health concerns, or no.

Bonin has consistently voted against his colleagues’ proposals to enforce the city’s anti-camping law, which went into effect in September, banning encampments at various locations across the city once a motion for the locations is approved by the City Council.

Venice Beach was recently cleared from its homeless camps, and efforts to restore it to their former glory are ongoing. The homeless just joined their fellow citizens under the 405 Freeway overpass. Meanwhile, rampant crime continues apace. Bonin has been digging in his heels, pretending to be right on history. Between Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva calling him out for his lack of leadership, fellow Councilman Joe Buscaino announcing his mayoral run at Venice Beach with the promise of cleaning up Mike’s mess, and the useless Mayor Eric Garcetti with one foot in India and the other on a banana peel, the handwriting was on the wall for Bonin’s chances of re-election.

“This position allows me to make positive, progressive change. This is an incredible privilege. In the last few years however, my job has made me focus more on creating positive than fighting negative. I need to reverse that dynamic,” Bonin tweeted.

“To those who are disappointed by my decision, I am sorry. While it’s difficult to leave a third term due to the great work we have done together, I should listen to what my heart says. This is the best decision for me and my family.”

And unless the people of CD-11 elect someone worse (it’s possible), this is the best decision for the people of Los Angeles.

The CleanLA Movement is right; it’s a larger problem and a bigger battle to keep other activists disguised as do-gooders from running for office and having a hand in public policy. Bonin likely has a consulting firm with non-profits that are funded to help the homeless. Bonin should be removed from public offices, take care of his mental well-being, and let the people go.

Oh, and Mike: Don’t let the doorknob hit you on the way out.

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