Ethics Reform in Los Angeles
While we heartily agree that our elected officials should act in an ethical manner in carrying out their public duties, we are disappointed that the Los Angeles citizens ethics panel has chosen to ignore a necessary solution to the present chaos at City Hall--limited terms of elected officials. The proposal was presented to the panel on several occasions.
Remember, Councilman Ernani Bernardi proposed and put on the ballot a Charter amendment to restrict campaign contributions. It passed by an overwhelming majority and is now part of the City Charter. The entrenched incumbents at City Hall, however, have expended extraordinary efforts undermining the effectiveness of Bernardi’s campaign reform. That’s one reason the councilman is co-sponsoring the L.A. City 2-Term Limit initiative.
The initiative, currently being circulated, would amend the Charter to limit to two consecutive four-year terms the terms of the mayor, council members, city attorney and city controller.
Until the institution of entrenched incumbency has been dismantled, proposals for campaign finance reform, conflict of interest laws and paid staff and commissioners to oversee wayward elected officials will be ineffective.
BARBARA S. BLINDERMAN
DAVID DIAZ
Co-Sponsors, L.A. City 2-Term Limit Initiative
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