As elected leaders we are held to a higher standard, and while we should never accept racist remarks from anyone, it is particularly heinous when those remarks are made by the people, we have entrusted to lead us.

As widely reported by the Los Angeles Times, L.A. Councilmembers Martinez, de Leon and Cedillo engaged in an abhorrent conversation that demeaned and disrespected their fellow Councilmember Mike Bonin, his family, other LA City Councilmembers and the African-American community as a whole. Regardless of their last-minute apologies, they have a duty to resign their positions immediately.

The hate-filled and racist statements by these Councilmembers make me sick. My heart goes out to Councilmember Bonin and his family, and I know it will take a long time for them and all Angelenos to heal from these reprehensible remarks. I find it particularly disgusting that these Councilmembers chose to attack Councilman Bonin’s young son, who will, no doubt, one day grow up to read about this incident.

Not all elected officials agree with each other on the issues, and politics has long been a place for heated discussions, but this goes far beyond politics or a disagreement on the issues. These Councilmembers have shown that they are simply unfit to lead and should step down immediately. I hope you will join me in calling for their removal from office if they choose not to do the right thing themselves.

Albert Vera

CCulver City Councilmember