Gripping the Hot Potatoes

Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan is becoming increasingly active on political issues that really count. In the past, he ducked some thorny situations; now he’s taking principled stands, some he knows he’s unlikely to win. Riordan’s open call Monday for Councilman Mike Hernandez to resign was not only a welcome and proper decision but one that underlines the mayor’s increasing engagement with the council on significant issues.

A majority of council members have yet to take a stand on Hernandez, who Monday pleaded guilty to one count of felony possession of cocaine, a count that will not go on his record if he successfully completes a drug diversion program.

The mayor’s willingness to use his political clout and broad influence on divisive matters like the Hernandez matter is good for the city as a whole. For instance, Riordan, secure in his second term, is prodding the school district, although he lacks direct authority to run or reform the schools.

This is a change of pace. Early in his mayoralty, Riordan was reluctant to commit on controversial issues. He kept silent on Proposition 187, the 1994 anti-immigrant ballot initiative, and procrastinated on Proposition 209 before finally opposing the 1996 initiative that banned affirmative action in public hiring, contracting and university admissions.

Riordan isn’t ducking now. Good.