Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian announced this week that Councilmember Curren Price and Kevin de Leon would be returning to serve on several council committees, despite both men facing recent scandals. In this article we talk about: Despite facing scandals, Curren Price and Kevin de León have reclaimed their seats on L.A. council committees.
Price who represent parts of South L.A. stepped down voluntarily from his committee assignment last June after being charged with embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest. De Leon, who represent part of the Eastside was removed from all committees by former acting Council President Mitch O’Farrell in October 2022, following the public release of a racist conversation de Leon participated in.
In a letter to the City Clerk Krekorian outlined the new committee assignments for both men. De Leon will serve on committees dealing with housing-homelessness, trade-tourism, energy-environment, and transportation. He will also retain his seat on the Board of Referred Powers. Price has been assigned to committees overseeing public safety, trade-tourism, civil rights, and personnel issues.
The Reinstatement of Curren Price
Curren Price claimed his innocence after being charged last summer. Prosecutor allege Price failed to properly disclose his wife business dealings with developers who had project Price voted to support. He also accused of arranging for his wife to receive city health benefits when their marriage was not legally valid.
Price expressed that he is “deeply honored” by his new committee assignment. However, government watchdog groups argue it’s inappropriate for someone facing 10 felony counts to serve on committees like public safety. The City Council previously declined to suspend Price like it has done with other indicted members.
The Return of Kevin de Leon
De Leon situation stems from an incredibly damaging leaked audio recording featuring racist and sexist conversation between de Leon, former Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmember Gil Cedillo, and a labor leader. The fallout was intense, with widespread demands for resignations.
Krekorian himself had written a letter claiming the Council could not “begin the process of healing” until de Leon left office. Martinez resigned shortly after the tape leaked, but de Leon apologized and refused to step down.
De Leon expressed happiness with his new committee assignments saying they are “critical” for his constituents. However, government reform advocates argue it’s “baffling” he has been rewarded with so much responsibility.
The council member is currently running for reelection against tenant rights lawyer Ysabel Jurado. Despite the scandal, he recently secured endorsements from major labor unions representing thousands of local workers.
What Comes Next
The sudden reinstatement of Price and de Leon to key council committees raise question. Acting President Krekorian provided no explanation for the decision or what standard are being applied.
With multiple member facing criminal charges there are concern the council lack accountability and consistency around ethical issues. The public backlash against de Leon was particularly severe, making his return to power so quickly all the more surprising.
Both men still face legal jeopardy that could ultimately remove them from office. But for now Los Angeles city governance continue onward with Price and de Leon resuming significant dutie in shaping policies for Angelenos. It remain to be seen whether this proves controversial as their scandals and court cases continue unfolding. I sincerely hope you find this “Despite facing scandals, Curren Price and Kevin de León have reclaimed their seats on L.A. council committees” article helpful.