Power Behind the Throne : County supervisors delegate too much authority to Dixon

“When it comes right down to it, I’m just their messenger boy. I really have nothing they don’t give me.” Technically, Richard B. Dixon, Los Angeles County’s chief administrative officer, is right. That’s why fingers point squarely at the county supervisors after the latest revelations of lavish spending.

Dixon has more authority to award contracts than Gov. Pete Wilson. He can rearrange department budgets at will, something that even Mayor Tom Bradley can’t do. Dixon has also maintained an open-ended account for himself and the Board of Supervisors.

Last year, the board spent $117,000 on flower arrangements and catered meals priced far in excess of the county’s usual meal allowance; included was one lunch for which fresh fish was cooked on grills brought to the Hall of Administration. These revelations come only months after Dixon was criticized for awarding $3 million in bonuses to top county officials and for spending $3 million more to remodel his offices. All this while the county cuts needed services to balance a $12-billion budget.

With each report of excess, the supervisors express indignation. Dixon ought to be fired, says Gloria Molina, a frequent critic of board spending. The county needs an elected executive officer who will act in the interest of the whole county, says Ed Edelman.

But these steps would not necessarily end the excesses, because it’s the board, not Dixon, that is the problem here. Supervisors voted to let Dixon spend freely because the board, instead of having to publicly authorize lunches on white linen tablecloths, would rather let him do the questionable spending quietly. In a symbolic gesture, board chairman Deane Dana on Monday ordered an end to the expensive lunches. But more than symbolism is needed. The supervisors give Dixon too much spending discretion and need to take some of it back.