James Hahn - Criticism As Mayor and Re-election Campaign

Criticism As Mayor and Re-election Campaign

Hahn was unable to deliver on his promise to add 1000 police officers to the Los Angeles Police Department, as the plan was turned down several times by the City Council. Hahn's lack of finesse in handling the ouster of Parks also alienated him from some in Los Angeles' African-American community, which still held Parks in high regard. That community, which remembered Hahn's father with affinity as a supporter of civil rights, had helped to propel Hahn to victory in the 2001 mayoral election. However, in the aftermath of Hahn's rejection of Parks, African-American support fell away from Hahn in his 2005 bid for re-election.

Additionally, many criticized Hahn for not playing a more significant role in helping to solve the city's transportation problems; he passed his turn to chair the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors. There were also ethics questions surrounding his administration, including pay to play allegations; no evidence has been found linked to him.

In the March 8, 2005 general election, Hahn placed second to Antonio Villaraigosa; placing ahead of former Speaker of the Assembly Bob Hertzberg, Councilman Bernard Parks, State Senator Richard Alarcon, and about seven lesser known challengers. As the top two vote getters, Villaraigosa and Hahn proceeded to the runoff election held on May 17, 2005. In that election, Hahn lost to Villaraigosa.