Commentary As I pointed out last year in The Epoch Times, crime is going to be the big issue of 2022, especially for local elections. Inflation and the war in Ukraine have arisen since then, but largely are federal issues, except when such things such as state gas taxes enter the picture. A good example is Los Angeles’ race for mayor to replace Eric Garcetti. During his last two years in office crime has soared, along with a related rise in homelessness. In 2021, homicides rose by 12 percent, to 397, the highest since 2006. Garcetti is awaiting Senate confirmation as ambassador to India at a time of international tension—when a real diplomat should have been appointed. All of the major mayoral candidates, including the liberals, are pushing a crime-busting agenda, albeit with different platforms. All are Democrats. Although officially a non-partisan office, party affiliation still plays a role. The …