Troubling Game of Political Musical Chairs in LA’s 2nd District

The Troubling Game of Political Musical Chairs
in Los Angeles’ Second District

Is the LA City Council a Democratic Institution or a Monarchy?

By Samantha Krause

In the ever-evolving landscape of Los Angeles politics, a disturbing pattern has emerged that threatens the very fabric of our democratic ideals and the trust of our citizens. At the heart of this issue is the ‘musical chairs’ arrangement between incumbent LA City Council Member and President Paul Krekorian and his former chief of staff, Adrin Nazarian, whom Krekorian has endorsed to replace him as the LA Councilmember from the Second District.

This political maneuvering reeks of backroom deals and a disregard for the electoral process. It’s a game where the rules are seemingly made by those in power, for those in power, leaving the electorate as mere spectators. The notion that a public office can be passed down like a family heirloom is not only undemocratic but also an affront to the principles upon which our city was built.

Krekorian, a seasoned politician, has been a fixture in Los Angeles politics, first as an Assemblymember in Sacramento and now as an LA City Councilman. His endorsement of Nazarian, his former chief of staff, raises serious questions about the integrity of our local government. Is the Second District seat a personal asset to be transferred at will? Where is the opportunity for fresh perspectives, new ideas, and the voices of the community in this equation?

Let’s not forget the City Council is not a private club. It’s a public institution accountable to the people of Los Angeles. By endorsing a former staffer, Krekorian effectively narrows the field, discouraging other potential candidates who might fear the uphill battle against an anointed successor. This is not the hallmark of a healthy democracy.

Moreover, this arrangement casts a shadow over Nazarian’s candidacy. Regardless of his qualifications or intentions, his campaign is now marred by the perception of insider politics and predetermined outcomes. The citizens of the Second District deserve a fair and open election, not a coronation.

This ‘musical chairs’ approach to governance erodes public trust. When elected positions are treated as commodities to be handed down, it diminishes the electorate’s role and makes a mockery of the electoral process. It’s time for the citizens of Los Angeles to stand up and demand a stop to this undemocratic practice.

The nepotism gets even worse, and the entire affair gets even muddier when we consider that Councilmember Krekorian appointed Nazarian’s wife, Diana Mangioglu, to her current position as the City Treasurer/Director of the Office of Finance at the City of Los Angeles, with an annual combined salary and benefits totaling $404,660.03 according to Transparent California. Did others have a fair chance for the same position?

As voters, we must scrutinize these political arrangements and hold our elected officials accountable. The City Council should be a representation of the people’s will, not a reflection of political convenience and cronyism. Let’s ensure that our voices are heard in the voting booths and in demanding a fair and transparent electoral process.

The future of Los Angeles depends on a robust, participatory democracy where every citizen believes that their vote matters. We cannot allow the political ‘musical chairs’ to undermine this fundamental principle. It’s time for a change, starting with rejecting the notion that public office is a prize to be passed among friends. Let the voters decide, for that is the cornerstone of our democracy.