Nicole Parra: From the state house to the dog house

What happens when you cross Karen Bass, the L.A. Democrat who leads the Assembly? Nicole Parra, the lone Assembly Democrat to refuse to vote for her party's spending plan on Sunday, shared the answer as her staff packed for a sudden banishment move to a small office across the street from the state Capitol. (That's Parra in the photo at right.) Nancy Vogel has the details:

Bass ordered Assemblywoman Nicole Parra of Hanford out of her fifth-floor Capitol office and into an office building across the street where legislative staffers work.

“They wanted us to have everything packed up by 4 p.m.,” said Parra’s chief of staff, Derek Chernow, as he ripped packing tape to seal a box of office supplies.  “We’re just doing what we’re asked by the powers that be.”

Parra, who is in her last few months in the Assembly, said she didn’t vote for the budget because it was not paired with a water bond to pay for additional dams to ease water supply troubles in her agricultural district. She said she had warned Assembly leaders weeks ago that she wouldn’t vote for a budget unless it also improved state water supplies.

“I knew I would be punished,” she said defiantly in the hallway outside the Assembly chamber. “I don’t regret it. I would do it again.”

Bass referred reporters to a couple of Parra’s Democratic colleagues, who expressed outrage at her refusal to vote.

“Every Democrat in our caucus [has] to put a vote up on the budget, and to hold the budget hostage . . .to me is intolerable,” said Assemblywoman Patty Berg (D-Eureka).  She added that fellow Democrats have spent millions of dollars helping Parra win election in her conservative district.

Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) said, “We put up a budget last night that was balanced, that took a responsible approach to solving a $15-billion budget deficit and minimized the harm to California’s most vulnerable citizens. And for any member, Democrat or Republican, to oppose that because of narrow interests of corporate agribusiness is inexcusable.”

It probably didn’t help that Parra has offered more enthusiastic support of the Republican running to replace her -- Danny Gilmore -- than the Democrat, Fran Florez, the mother of Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter), with whom Parra has openly feuded for years.

Though legislators have been moved to smaller offices in political retaliation, no one Nancy spoke with could recall a colleague being expelled from the Capitol building itself. 

-- Veronique de Turenne

Photo: Associated Press

Comments

[Richard]

Parra claims to have a legal education but has repeatedly failed the California bar exam. What does this tell us about Parra's intelligence? That she is dumber than even the most stupid lawyers in California. When she soon gets termed out she will have to find a way to make an honest living? Don't bet on it. She will just go back to being a fund raising shill for big agra-business interests. Good riddance.

[Arian]

I firmly believe that the "BUDGET" issue should be priority #1 in Sacramento, but Bass' autocratic way of handling this should get her booted out of office! We all talk about ''Unity" these days and yet we see our own, our selected members to represent US (the people), punish a fellow rep for doing what they're supposed to. I commend Ms. Parra for standing up for what she believed in. I'm from her district and whatever she decides from now on, i will be right by behind her! We need more REPRESENTatives these days in the US to actually represent it's people that voted them in the office rather than going with the majority! She was only doing her job, helping her people get what they need. Get Karen Bass to step down now and move her outside of the capitol, maybe on the steps, i'm sure we paid for her laptop!

[Edna Bordwell]

Nicole, though I am currently registered as a Republican, and we have many differences, I applaud your stance and "guts" regarding the budget. Thank you, and may your future hold more opportunities to hold our state legislators responsible.

[juan pusong]

So, this is what democrats do. The overspent all of California taxes, and now they want more. Wake up California! Are we still convinced that a Democrats have a better agenda?

I say vote all them out of office.

We need to cut and cut until it hurts. This is what we get for having Democats at the helm?

[Lee Peters]

Lets see:
Parra is a Latino, Bass is a black
Parra does not vote no, she abstains.
So she gets moved across the street to a large broom closet because she displeased Bass.
Do I smell a case of Racism from a black? Or a personal vendetta?

Two other Dems (Soto & Torrico) also did not vote for the bill, but they keep their offices.

Bass, your are a disgrace and not fit to be in the assembly, let alone speaker.
You should give up your position as Speaker to someone who has some morals and understand what fairness and a democratic government means.
The last three letters of your name describes you to a "T".

[Lee Peters]

Speaker Bass, your actions in the matter of Nicole Parra is one of the most despicable actions a politician can take. Not to mention childish.
People of her district elected her to vote her conscience, and not how you tell her to vote. This is supposed to be a democracy, not a dictatorship.
You have abused your position in the legislature. Give little people a little power, and they abuse it in spades.
Fact is, they should toss you out on your butt for not getting a budget in place by now, plus your abuse of power.
You are D E S P I C A B L E!!!!!

[Verena]

If I needed just one more reason to justify why I don’t vote Democrats this would be it. How pity and low can this party go against their own members? Karen Bass you should be ashamed of your self, this move will brand Democrats as vindictive and small minded. Mrs. Parra I am proud of the fact that you showed backbone! Good for you!

[Victor - 2]

By ordering Assemblywoman Nicole Parra out of the Capitol building on an inconsequential vote, Speaker of the Assembly Bass overreacted entirely beyond reason and in the extreme emotionally.
This is a clear sign for all members of the Assembly that Bass is NOT a politically effective leader. Kick HER in the Bass, quickly, before she throws another tantrum.

[Victor]

Parra for Governor. I'm glad we have one politiician who has integrity and ethics. She did what was right without regard to the personal consequences.

[george]

democracy? is it any wonder that congress, albeit this is state house, has a lower rating than Pres. Bush? We need more information on this. this should not be a dead issue with the media. it is time you in the media help us, the people, to rise up.

[ANDREW from TEXAS]

the budget still is not fixed, the job they have to do. What about the job, do your job. Enough already, do your job. I have to do mine, office, no office, stool, chair, whatever DO YOUR JOB!!!!!!! If George Bush was Govenor you would see things getting done. Oh, offices are more important in Ca.. DO YOUR JOB...

[Joseph Krider]

The California State Legislators don't play well with each other. It really DOES give a new meaning to the term "Legislative Recess." I think they're just cranky because they missed their nap. I say we send them all to bed without supper.

[Edwin Moore]

Ms. Parra got more guts than those closet communist liberals up Sacramento, there only concern is about power and wreckless credit card behavior of an IDIOT. What do people expect miracles from democrats.Bod the way I am independent.

[LibertyForAll]

Nicole Parra = H E R O

Karen Bass = Corrupt Politician that needs to resign

[California Dreamin']

Actually, in the longer term, more good will transpire because of the bad a** Bass' behavior. Bass has so egregiously crossed the line of propriety and reason that she has sealed her political fate. Civilized Californians of all political persuasions will not long tolerate such despotic behavior. Stand tall, Ms. Parra!

[Joe Moody]

Its shocking that democrats actually don't really believe in or permit individual choice (in a democracy). I think voters should keep this in mind and send some real democrats. There should also be an amendment to limit these people to a single term in office, after which they can go get a real job and work to earn a living like everyone else. There should also be a code of conduct decided for legislators which should be published for all to know, this also will prevent these kinds of vote for me or I punish you incidents. Lastly democratic legislators learn to balance the budget.

[Jose Arribas]

The Parra woman is completely worthless to the Democrats. Good bye and good riddance. Trash out.

[D. Davis]

The next thing Karen Bass and the Democrats are going to do is make sure there are Brown Shirts in the Assembly Chamber for every vote just like Adolf Hitler did...

[Tommy D]

We are the Democrats. The party of hope. And if you dare to disagree with us, we'll throw you out of the building.

[Hoss]

Come on LA TImes. Why is this even news? Seriously, save this junk for TMZ. Why don't your journalist do some serious investigative reporting on the budget? Here are some ideas: (1) write about which lobbyist are spending the most to influence budget discussion, i.e. Jarvis Foundation, California Teachers... (2) write about possible budget solutions. The problem California has is how its revenue is generated. This gets most of its revenue for capital gain taxes, which fluctuate year to year. This is starting to prove to be an reliable source of income. Maybe its time for someone to discuss adjusting property taxes by as small percentage would provide a better stream of income. However, this would require someone to discuss making an adjustment to the conservatives beloved Prop 13. Why Prop 13 is one of many reasons for high homeownership in this state, it is also an impediment to adjusting the tax to inflation. I say keep it it just needs to be slightly adjusted.

[Octavio Velarde]

I think it's great that Karen Bass got Nicole Parra kicked out of the Capitol building. I have met both of these women. I walked my local precinct when Karen Bass was running in my district in LA, and she seemed like a very competent, genuine women with great energy and leadership. I have also met Nicole Parra, and I can only say that I didn't feel much warmth for her. Karen cares about real people, whereas Nicole Parra cares about nothing except her own political ties in the Central Valley. She is basically a Republican. Go Ms. Bass!

[richard_in_cali]

Bravo for the Speaker.

Parra made her choice. She chose to schmooze the Terminator. How darling.

So now she should not whine if she may get politically terminated.

But hey. It's not all bad. Maybe he will let her have a desk in his smoking tent.

[Jack]

frank; You have one like her in DC; her name is Laura Richardson.

[Jack]

While I disagree with Parra's position on the water bond, admire her curage and hope she runs for statewide office, Lt. Gov. I admire her courage and believe we need more like her. Sacramento is corrupt.

[Melaine S]

Maybe she'd be better off living in a Red State, since she's a closet Republican anyway. Perhaps she'd like Wyoming.

[dr red shift]

I am a resident of Indiana. I am a conservative. I just wanted to say congradulations to Ms. Parra. There may yet be hope for Government in the United States, but I still doubt it.
Why do you people in CA keep people like Florzes, Berg,and Bass in office? Surely, it's not the best you've got. Or is it??

U GO NICOLE....THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING.

dr red shift
Indiana

[Leonard]

Always like to read stories about the California legislature; gives some comfort to me to know that New York, where I live, is not the only state with a dysfunctional petty, narrow minded state legislature. Perhaps I am not totally objective but New York is still worse than California in the state legislature department however you are rapidly catching up on the left coast; bonne chance.

[JonSE]

Why do California voters put up with such crap? Are they stupid, incompetent, or simply don't give a rat's ass? Look at the mess California is in, and the mess it has been in for many years. Maybe that is why there are so many ex-Californians floating about in adjacent western states.

[Dave]

Many of these comments have expressed that there should be unity and that we need to move forward; that the actions of the party is not about unity! Nicole Parra has been, for a long time trying to buck the leaders of the state party as well as legislature. She used this venue to try to set a statement. The only statement she came up with is to break from ranks for a self serving interest of hers. The budget is the most important thing right now for all state employees, Without it some of them dont get paid, according to their MOU's . In view of unity, sometimes we need to sacrifice to gain, we need to take a step back to charge ahead. Nicole, why did you break rank and go against unity! Shame on you. "que lastima"

[Stuey]

The PRC (People's Republic of California) and its neo-Facist leaders of the Democrat Party. The only thing they lack is the Jack Boots...Lord knows one of them has a pair in their dungeon, er uh, closet. Ms. Para exercised quite a bit of courage and that is to be admired. No dissent allowed in the Democrat Party. Washington warned about the parties in his fairwell address. What a prescient man.

[wdw]

I see the wing nuts are cackling here.They are as stupid as both the Republican Governor and the Republican legislators trying to blame the Dems for their own protect the rich at all costs policies. Maybe the Dems could move Parra to an office down in Compton.

[PMD]

If the story as reported here is fact, then I think that Karen Bass should step down immediately. It is difficult for me to believe there is not something illegal here akin to extortion. As a woman, a registered Democrat and a California resident, I do not want thugs in the party, especially women thugs, jeopardizing our ability to vote the Republicans and their platform out. I also think the homeless should be visible in Denver so the entire country can see the result of our "market based economy."

[Jason M.]

While I don't know anything about Nicole Parra other than what is described in this article, I must say that I applaud her for taking a true stand on an issue instead of sidestepping it. Her leadership is to be praised and held up as an extraordinary example of challenging the process, of questioning the very assumptions and objectives toward which we're so stridently searching. Thank you Ms. Parra for taking a real stand (which in this day and age is tough to find, whether Democrat, Republican or Independent.) THank you.

[Erik Story]

What petty crap! Karen Bass, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. You call that leadership? "Vote my way or I will punish and humiliate you." Hopefully, what goes around will eventually come around.

[RDM]

The Republicans and Parra should be ashamed for holding up a budget and threatening to derail the entire state government. Thanks to the absurd super-dupermajority vote requirement, a tiny handfull of (easily corrupted) legislators can thwart the interests of all Californians.

Retaliation is ugly, but well deserved in this case.

[SBS55]

Outrageous Trash. I am sure there is more to the story from both parties, but as an American citizen, I am absolutly incensed by more of these socialist overtures by our politicians. Who in there right mind, unless greedy or independently wealthy, would ever want to run for political office where crap like this is condoned. This Bass broad must be sicker than most politicians. I respect Ms. Parra for exercising her rights and those that resort to punishment for her doing so should move their socialist act to another country. We do not need them here.

[Stephen Daedalus]

Think we need more people like Karen Bass in the DC House and Senate.

[frank]

Now we know for a fact that officials dont speak out on the curuption that they see because there leaders can just punish them, that upsured. How can us people stand up for this? They shouldn't be allowed to do that or else no one will speak up if there party does something worng. Im ashamed to be an american.

[tarwater]

The world's largest sandbox and a grand supply of diapers would put these "leaders" in their appropriate place.

[Dick Diamond]

Another win for democracy in California. Achtung! Und you vill enjoy your new cell, opps, office.
Unbelieveable!
Yet another reason why we moved to Oregon.

[Dick Diamond]

Another win for democracy in California. Achtung! Und you vill enjoy your new cell, opps, office.
Unbelieveable!
Yet another reason why we moved to Oregon.

[Robert T]

Unbelievable. This is why the people need to stand up and take back this country. I applaud Nicole Parra for standing up to the establishment and backing what her constituents need most, WATER! No wonder why nothing gets done in Sacramento.

[John Lee]

Is it me, or does this all seem very childish?

[Shana McCarthy]

Surprised the Democratic Party did not just throw her in some cell. The Democrats are getting rid of all the homeless off the streets of Denver for their convention so the streets look pretty with them on it; just like the Chinese has some pretty girls mock sign the song at the opening of the Olympics using the "ugly" girls voice. Well, Dean referred to the Republican Party as the white party on the National Public Radio last Friday before he caught himself. What deceptive people.

People, wake up and smell the foul odor of the Democrats before Nov.

[Chuck]

This example is exactly why we are in this mess. Both sides are in the wrong and they can't see passed their own short-sightedness. It's socially irresponsible for Parra to refused to vote due to her one issue; however it's immature to banish her from the Capitol. Banishing a dissenter does not make for able leadership- just a petty bully who's divisive. Unfortunately, since there apparently is no authentic leader who has enough respect from both sides on the aisle, we spin in circles and like unusual- the legislators collect their paychecks while the average person suffers. To the legislators- you all should be ashamed to have failed in your core job function- to provide a negotiated and approved budget by the deadline. You are all failures.

[James]

Well did I just hear a baby throwing a fit or what? I agree with Ricardo

"Such pettiness from the Speaker of the Assembly. Parra is only trying to stick up for her constituents - which is exactly what a member of the Assembly is supposed to do.

Karen Bass should be ashamed of herself, and her own constituents should hold her accountable. Making Parra move her office because she didn't vote for a blatantly (and politically) biased budget is ridiculous. The vote was 45-30 - obviously Parra wasn't the only Democrat to break ranks."

My understanding of the Democratic Party is they are for the Working People as my father always says. These individuals are obviously not for the people but their own agenda. I commend Perra for her actions and standing up for her constituents you are there to defend and make sure that their interests are not left out in the cold BASS winter. Kudos to you Perra.

[Don]

Patty Berg is only a rep to a few hippies. Nothing she does or says makes any difference to a lot of people up here.

[Dusty N Bones]

A balanced budget is what takes precedence over the majority. There is give and take and every one has to give in order to balance the budget.

[mollykj]

So its kindergarden here in the State Capitol - Ms. Parra was kicked out of the sandbox cause she didn't play by the rules. No wonder our political process is broken - this is the character of those who have risen to leadership positions in their party.

Pitiful. Sad. Funny.

Good for you Ms. Parra for standing up to what you said you would do !

[Don]

Patty Berg is only a rep to a few hippies. Nothing she does or says makes any difference to a lot of people up here.

[Russell]

This is another example of politicians who think they run the government as they would their own private business, and have no bosses. Who pays of the rental of these offices, not the democratic party or any political party, it is the taxpayers. The officials have no right or should have no power to do something like this. If they want to pay for the space, then that is something else. I view this as corruption...it is the use of taxpayer money to reward those who do political favor or the inverse of that...it does not matter whether you punish or reward it is still using taxpayer funds to do it. Putting it into an even worse light, it is really little different than asking for sexual or other favors in return for raises or a better position.

[2synapses]

Wow, nice reaction from the party that wants more "HOPE" in government.

Never a good thing to cross the leaders of your party, particularly in a state that is as narrow minded as California. She will stand for re-election easily.

Go Parra!

come visit us at loliticz.com and lol ur pols pho paws!

[Figgins]

Such pettiness from the Speaker of the Assembly. Parra is only trying to stick up for her constituents - which is exactly what a member of the Assembly is supposed to do.

Karen Bass should be ashamed of herself, and her own constituents should hold her accountable. Making Parra move her office because she didn't vote for a blatantly (and politically) biased budget is ridiculous. The vote was 45-30 - obviously Parra wasn't the only Democrat to break ranks.

[Ricardo]

So one self-absorbed, power-corrupted liberal facist [Nunez] was replaced with another one [Bass]. What's new?

[Alvin Kimble]

To use an office or voting power to fund local pork is wrong. To use one's voting block to hold the nation hostage is wrong but the greater wrong is to use power to control the vote of elected constituents. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absoluetly. This is the problem with the congress today. Both parties use their office as tools to control the majority of the people by the power they hold in office. To punish a person for her/or his vote whether that vote is right or wrong is fundementaloly beyond the principal of Americanism. This is in my opinion of the issue here.

[STELLA PELLEGRINI]

The pseudo representatives of the people in Sacramento are as incompetent as are those jokers in Washington.

Those of us who grew up during the Roosevelt presidency recognize that the system is
"borken." What's transpiring in Sacramento comes as no surprise to anyone who's read more than one book.
S.P.

[Dire Weevil]

This woman is a hero! Congrates, Parra. I am not a democrat or republican, and I like this stance you took. It shows you actually have a mind of your own and really care about the people you represent. I just wish the others that serve with you understood that they represent and answer to the people, not the party. This woman is beautiful to boot!!

[Coolrepublica]

A few weeks ago Howard Stern on his radio show said that Democrats were closet communists. Howard Stern may very well be the wisest man in America.

I don't know what has gotten in Democrats this year, but whatever they are drinking they need to lay off it. There has been a barrage of news about how people who dare go against the democratic party are treated like animals. No decent is permitted. They are trying to marginalize moderate democrats. And though all this they still want us to believe that their leader Mr. Obama is about UNITY. Yeah I will buy that beach front property in Montana they are selling.

How can anyone believe that the democratic party can unite with republicans on anything when they can't even tolerate Mrs. Parra disagreeing with them?

[Curly]

What do you expect when a party, any party, has more concern about their own possition than the welfare for the state or the nation?

[Curly]

What do you expect when a party, any party, has more concern about their own possition than the welfare for the state or the nation?

[Curly]

What do you expect when a party, any party, has more concern about their own possition than the welfare for the state or the nation?

[Curly]

What do you expect when a party, any party, has more concern about their own possition than the welfare for the state or the nation?