Democratic Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo of Los Angeles made headlines last week after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after she plowed into some parked vehicles in her city’s Montecito Heights neighborhood. She blamed the wreck on a sneeze. It’s not the kind of publicity any legislator wants, especially one who is gearing up for a tough political fight.
This week, Carrillo announced her candidacy for Los Angeles City Council, ending speculation about whether she would drop out. We weren’t impressed with her post-arrest statement: “As a public servant, I am aware that I must adhere to a higher standard that demands personal accountability for my conduct.” She accepted responsibility and apologized “for any actions that might have fallen short.”
She has not been convicted and hasn’t admitted to having been intoxicated, although she has vowed to “seek the necessary help and support.” We’d prefer if lawmakers had the self-control and judgment to avoid these situations. In Sacramento, lawmakers could easily get a ride from Capitol staff. Elsewhere, they can do what ordinary people do — grab an Uber or taxicab.
Los Angeles voters deserve better. Former Senate President and current councilmember Kevin de León has announced he is running for that council seat. He’s been censured by colleagues after the release of a secretly recorded conversation with him, two other council members and a labor leader engaging in a racially tinged conversation as they divvied up council districts. The remarks sparked protests.
Voters ultimately will decide, but it would be nice if lawmakers would put the public above their political ambitions and take a break from the spotlight after they beclown themselves. That’s apparently too much to ask. State Sen. Dave Min, D-Costa Mesa, continues his run for Congress even though he was sentenced to three years of probation after a DUI arrest in Sacramento in May. Riverside Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes is also still running for Assembly after her second DUI conviction.
Public officials are human and make mistakes. If they stay in politics, they must at least show humility when they write laws everyone else must follow.
