California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is already repelling a growing GOP-led recall threat, is now facing a new front of attacks by members of his own party over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Democrats were mostly reluctant to speak out and criticized the governor, fearing it would provide fodder for the recall campaign. But over the past few weeks, a number of prominent Democrats and Democrats have begun to openly express their frustrations.
Much of the criticism is due to what many see as the lack of transparency in Newsom’s government. State health officials have largely refused to disclose the information on which Newsom bases his orders.
FILE: Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, outlines his proposal for state budget for 2021-2022 during a news conference in Sacramento, California.
(AP)
Democratic Assemblywoman Laura Friedman told the Los Angeles Times that many lawmakers have been left in the dark about the governor’s reasoning behind his orders.
“I would like to better understand the rationale behind many of these decisions and the data behind them, and I think the public should know that data as well,” Friedman said. “It would make people feel much more comfortable with the different executive actions being conveyed and the different commands. I would have liked it if we had really understood what was coming months ago and that the public would understand a little bit more.”
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Friedman, like many of her Democratic colleagues, is still determined to support Newsom.
“I think what will ultimately hurt Newsom more is not people talking, but that he is failing,” Friedman told The Times. “The best way I can stop him from being recalled is to help him succeed.”
Former California Department of Public Health Karen Smith said the Newsom government needs to do a better job of informing the public why its government is making important decisions – especially when it overturns or implements a new closure order.
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“The worst problems of this man, even politically, come from the fact that they just do not communicate well and that they certainly do not take the time to communicate in a way that people suggest something, give more information and then will you cultivate it, “Smith said.” It’s crazy, because it’s a basic way and how you talk to people when you want them on your side.