Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman, who is running to replace Mayor Karen Bass, claims she is facing political punishment for challenging the mayor. Raman was removed as chair of the Los Angeles City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee after she called for an audit of the city’s homelessness programs.

Committee Removal

Raman released a video message stating that she was removed from her position as chair of the committee and will not be part of the newly split committees focused on housing and homelessness. She believes this decision is a result of her opposition to Mayor Bass.

Raman has been critical of Bass’ homelessness program, arguing that it has not been effective despite the large amount of money spent on it. She has also touted a decline in homelessness within her council district, which Bass’ campaign has disputed.

City Council Dynamics

The removal of Raman from the committee has sparked questions about the dynamics within the city council and the relationship between Mayor Bass and Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Harris-Dawson does not have unilateral authority to change committee assignments, but he and Bass have been longtime allies.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.