Newsom Receives Praise From Rare Places After Vetoing the SB 57 Safe Injection Sites Bill, Fueling 2024 Speculation – Opinion

On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom rejected Senate Bill 57. This received praise from rare sources and fueled speculation about his possible 2024 White House bid.

SB 57 would have permitted people to illegally use drugs in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland under medical supervision. Newsom stated that the bill was vetoed.

“It is possible that these sites would help improve the safety and health of our urban areas, but if done without a strong plan, they could work against this purpose … These unintended consequences in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland cannot be taken lightly. Worsening drug consumption challenges in these areas is not a risk we can take.”

However, Newsom left open the possibility for a detailed, but less extensive plan which he could still sign. Newsom said:

“I remain open to this discussion when those local officials come back to the Legislature with recommendations for a truly limited pilot program.”

It is both a horrible bill and a temporary win for Californians. Newsom was right to make the decision. This is possibly the only time in 18 years of politics that Newsom did not harm California or San Francisco. Even so, his critics were proud of him.

Kevin Kiley is an Assemblyman, and a candidate for Congress.

“I’m glad that the Governor vetoed the bill. Jerry Brown rejected the exact same concept. For some reason, even though now Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown have both rejected this measure, our legislature has decided to support it …  I’m glad that the Governor did not take this incredibly radical and backward step.”

Kiley added that it’s not enough just to veto this bill:

“This isn’t nearly enough. It is the tragedy of opioid addiction that has led to overdoses and is devastating our communities in this state as well as across the country. It is important to make proactive efforts to spread awareness. To hold accountable the criminals who are selling, peddling these lethal substances, often to very young Californians.”

These are just a few of the critics that praised Newsom’s decision today.

Kevin Kiley has it right. The criminals selling these deadly substances must face consequences. Newsom may not be willing to accept that, after supporting George Gascon and Chesa Boudin as his California Attorney General, and appointing Rob Bonta, a soft on crime, as the California Attorney General.

We give credit where credit is due, but we have to wonder what the motivation behind this veto. Rumours have circulated about the possibility of a 2024 White House bid. He will have a good resume to show for his efforts to rise into national prominence.

Gavin Newsom as president would mean a catastrophe for America. This is not a long-term victory. Newsom, however, has managed San Francisco and California for 18 consecutive years. It is therefore one of few wins we can point out.

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