Los Angeles voters on Nov. 5 will consider a package of ethics reforms designed to fight corruption at City Hall. This follows a string of political scandals in recent years, including a 2022 audio leak that exposed how elected officials can manipulate the redistricting process to stay in power.
Supporters call it the first significant reform to the Ethics Commission in its 20-year history. Critics, who believe the package doesn’t go far enough, say the council dumped key proposals after pushback from lobbyists.
Official title on the ballot:Â City Ethics Commission Authority and Operational Independence Charter Amendment
You are being asked: Shall the City Charter be amended to establish a minimum annual budget for the City Ethics Commission; increase the Commission’s authority over spending decisions and hiring matters; allow the Commission to obtain outside counsel in limited circumstances; impose additional qualification requirements on Commission members; require the City Council to hold a public hearing on Commission proposals; and increase penalties for violations of City laws?
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
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A “yes” vote means: You don’t want people who do business with the city or who have any financial interest in the city’s actions to serve on the Ethics Commission. Elected officials won’t be able to appoint any relatives or major campaign donors either. Anyone who violates city ethics rules would face triple the maximum fine of $15,000 per violation.
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A “no” vote means: The city charter will not be amended and the existing commission rules will stay in place.
Understanding the measure
In May, councilmembers unanimously directed the city attorney to draft…
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