Gavin Newsom, the Democratic Government of California, is already busy fending off a growing GOP-led recall threat, now facing a new front of attacks from members of his own party over his approach to the coronavirus pandemic.
Democrats were usually reluctant to criticize the governor for fear it would provide fodder for the recall campaign. But in recent weeks, a number of prominent Democrats and Democratic agents have begun to openly express some of their frustrations.
Much of the criticism stems from what many consider to be the lack of transparency in Newsom’s administration. State health officials have largely refused to publicly release the data on which Newsom bases its orders.
FILE: Gavin Newsom of California outlines his proposal for the state budget for 2021-2022 at a press conference in Sacramento, California.
(AP)
Democratic Representative Laura Friedman told the Los Angeles Times that many lawmakers have been left in the dark about the governor’s rationale behind his orders.
“I would have liked a better understanding of the rationale behind many of these decisions and the data behind them, and I think the public should know that data, too,” Friedman said. “People would be much more comfortable with the different executive actions being narrated and the different orders. I would have loved it months ago if we really understood what was to come and the audience understood a little bit more.”
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Still, like many of her Democratic colleagues, Friedman remains determined to support Newsom.
“I think that in the end, Newsom will hurt more than anything, it’s not people speaking up, it’s failing,” Friedman told The Times. “So the best way I can keep him from being recalled is to help him succeed.”
Former California Department of Public Health Director Karen Smith said Gov. Newsom should better educate the public as to why his administration is making important decisions – especially when it comes to rolling back or imposing a new lockdown order.
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“This guy’s worst problems, even politically, come from the fact that they just don’t communicate well and they certainly don’t take the time to communicate in a way that introduces people to something, gives them more information, and then You edit it, “Smith said.” It’s crazy because that’s kind of a foundation and how you talk to people if you want to get them by your side. “