In the upcoming meeting of the City Council’s Rules Committee, Councilman Curren Price’s suspension will be discussed. However, Price is urging his colleagues to allow him to remain on the council as he fights the criminal charges against him.
In a statement, Price emphasized his commitment to public service and expressed his eagerness to address the charges and defend himself. He firmly believes that the court and fair observers will recognize the unjustified nature of these charges. He also defended his wife against unfair accusations.
Price further stated that it would be inappropriate for the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee to recommend his suspension before he has had an opportunity to present his case in court. Despite respecting the seriousness with which Council President Krekorian handles allegations against council members, Price asserted his presumption of innocence. He argued that the best way to serve the needs of District 9 and protect the voices and concerns of his constituents is by allowing him and his staff to continue their dedicated service.
In June, Price was charged with embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest, leading him to step down from his position as council president pro tempore and resign from committee assignments.
A motion to possibly suspend Price from the council was introduced by Council President Krekorian, which will be considered by the Rules Committee on Friday. Any recommendations from the committee will be presented to the full council next week.
Representing the Ninth District since 2013, Price is a 72-year-old public servant who has also held positions in the state Assembly and state Senate. His absence from the recent council meeting resulted in Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s appointment as president pro tempore.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has characterized the charges against Price as the outcome of a thorough investigation into allegations of public corruption. Gascón emphasized that such conduct undermines the government’s integrity and erodes the public’s trust in elected officials.
The charges against Price involve voting on projects connected to developers tied to his wife’s consulting firm, as well as embezzling money by having the city cover medical insurance premiums for his current wife while he was still married to his first wife.
This case adds to the legal and political troubles faced by various Los Angeles city officials. Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have pleaded guilty to federal charges in recent years, and Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was convicted earlier this year for trading votes during his time on the county Board of Supervisors. Additionally, former City Council President Nury Martinez resigned after being caught on tape engaged in a racially charged conversation about the council’s redistricting process.
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