Rick Caruso for Mayor: Leadership Rooted in Integrity and Service
- Ryan Cahill

- Sep 21
- 5 min read
Los Angeles is a city of extraordinary promise and extraordinary challenges. It is a place where dreams are born and industries are built, but it is also a place where issues like homelessness, public safety, corruption, and economic inequality test the strength of its communities. The office of Mayor is not simply a ceremonial role — it is one of the most powerful executive positions in the nation, overseeing the daily lives of nearly four million people. The leader of Los Angeles must be more than a politician; they must be a problem-solver, a builder, and a steward of the public trust.
That is why Rick Caruso stands out as a candidate worthy of FLAG PAC’s support. With a proven track record in business, philanthropy, and civic leadership, Caruso offers the kind of practical, values-driven leadership Los Angeles needs. He is not a career politician. He is a man of service, integrity, and vision — someone who embodies FLAG PAC’s guiding belief: principles over politics.
A Builder and a Problem-Solver
Rick Caruso is best known as a builder. Through his company, Caruso, he has developed some of the most recognizable and successful retail and community spaces in Los Angeles, including The Grove and The Americana at Brand. These projects are not just malls; they are carefully designed spaces that bring people together, revitalize neighborhoods, and foster a sense of community.
This ability to build — to turn vision into reality — is exactly what Los Angeles needs in a Mayor. Too often, politics in LA has been about promises that never materialize. Caruso’s career demonstrates that he knows how to take an idea, marshal resources, and deliver results that make life better for ordinary people.
Tackling Homelessness with Compassion and Action
Perhaps the most pressing issue in Los Angeles today is homelessness. The crisis has grown into one of the defining challenges of the city, touching every neighborhood and testing the limits of government programs.
Caruso has spoken directly about the need for new solutions — ones that balance compassion with action. His approach emphasizes building more housing, streamlining bureaucracy, and ensuring that money spent on homelessness translates into real results. What sets him apart is not just his resources, but his insistence that government accountability must accompany government programs. Caruso’s philosophy is that Angelenos deserve to see progress, not just promises.
FLAG PAC supports this focus because it reflects our values: accountability, transparency, and the courage to confront difficult issues.
Restoring Public Safety
Los Angeles has experienced waves of concern over crime, public safety, and the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Caruso has consistently emphasized the importance of making Los Angeles a city where people feel safe — not just in statistics, but in their daily lives.
As Mayor, Caruso pledges to invest in both law enforcement and community trust, ensuring that safety measures are balanced with accountability and oversight. He understands that safety is not simply about arrests but about creating conditions where businesses can thrive, families feel secure, and neighborhoods are free of fear.
Public safety, in Caruso’s vision, is not a partisan talking point. It is a principle — one that affects every resident, regardless of race, background, or political affiliation.
Accountability in Government
One of the issues that has plagued Los Angeles politics is corruption and a lack of transparency in city government. From pay-to-play scandals to mismanaged programs, the city’s leadership has too often been defined by self-interest rather than public service.
Caruso’s background as a businessman gives him a unique perspective on accountability. In business, success depends on results, efficiency, and transparency. He brings that same expectation to government. For Caruso, leadership means building systems that work, cutting through unnecessary red tape, and ensuring that public servants are held to the highest ethical standards.
This aligns perfectly with FLAG PAC’s vision for government: one rooted in integrity and service, not party politics or personal gain.
A Record of Philanthropy and Civic Engagement
While Caruso is often recognized for his business success, his record of philanthropy and civic engagement is equally important. He has donated millions to educational institutions, healthcare, and community programs. He has served on boards, supported universities, and invested in causes that improve the lives of people across Los Angeles.
This demonstrates a core value we at FLAG PAC emphasize: leadership is about service. A true leader invests not just in buildings and projects but in people and communities. Caruso has consistently demonstrated this commitment through his philanthropic work, making it clear that his candidacy is not about political ambition but about a lifelong dedication to giving back.
Economic Responsibility and Growth
Los Angeles is a city of immense economic potential but also deep inequality. Caruso’s experience as a businessman provides him with the skills to foster economic growth while ensuring responsible management of public funds.
He has built enterprises that create jobs, attract investment, and generate revenue. As Mayor, he would bring that same approach to city government — focusing on sustainable growth, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that the benefits of economic expansion reach all communities.
Economic leadership is not about spending more; it is about spending wisely. Caruso has the vision and the experience to deliver on that principle.
Principles Over Politics
What truly makes Caruso stand out as a candidate for Mayor is his independence from party-driven politics. He has positioned himself as someone who looks beyond the political divide and focuses on results.
For FLAG PAC, this is critical. Our mission is to support leaders who rise above partisanship, who act on principle, and who are committed to accountability and integrity. Rick Caruso’s candidacy embodies these values.
Los Angeles does not need another politician. It needs a leader who will put people before politics, principles before partisanship. Caruso has proven throughout his career that he is exactly that kind of leader.
Looking Ahead
The challenges facing Los Angeles are immense, but so is the city’s potential. Homelessness, public safety, corruption, and economic inequality are not problems that can be solved by politics-as-usual. They require leadership that is bold, ethical, and results-driven.
Rick Caruso offers that leadership. With a proven record in business, philanthropy, and civic service, he has demonstrated the skills and values necessary to guide Los Angeles through its toughest challenges.
FLAG PAC proudly supports Rick Caruso for Mayor because we believe he represents the principles we stand for: integrity, accountability, and service above politics.
Conclusion
Los Angeles deserves a Mayor who is more than a politician — someone who is a builder, a problem-solver, and a servant of the people. Rick Caruso embodies these qualities. His candidacy is about restoring trust in city government, addressing the issues that matter most to residents, and building a future where Los Angeles can thrive.
At FLAG PAC, we are committed to putting principles over politics. That is why we stand behind Rick Caruso for Mayor — a leader ready to turn vision into reality and put the people of Los Angeles first.

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