Assembly Candidate Carolyn Essex said deteriorating public spaces, street homelessness and neighborhood safety should be priorities for the district’s representative — issues she believes Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal has not fully addressed.

Mayor Rex Richardson raised concerns that such an approach could lead to requests to rearrange the agenda and threaten the democratic process. Opponents said the council could instead exercise discretion when an issue draws a large turnout.

“Law enforcement entities that are advocating for more of this technology in communities need to be able to substantiate that in order to get my support." Lowenthal on Flock Cameras

"I wasn't highlighting violence, I was highlighting his mental health," Holmes said.

“I’m part of the problem here, essentially,” he says, “but I’m at least trying to take a step towards recognizing the problem and kind of unlocking some pathways to solving it.”

“When was the last time you saw a cop in your neighborhood just walking around, getting to know the neighborhood?”