No to Another Commission, No on 5

The last thing Los Angeles needs is another city commission that might create gridlock when decisions could be made more quickly by a capable department head. That’s why Charter Amendment 5, on the April 20 ballot, should be defeated.

The measure would transfer control of the city’s Animal Regulation Department from a full-time general manager to a part-time, five-member citizen commission. The board, which now serves the manager in an advisory capacity, would have the final say on all policy, budgeting and hiring.

Animal welfare advocates, concerned that animals are being mistreated and unnecessarily put to death under city care, are strongly behind the measure. Although that concern is understandable, it’s not clear that part-time commissioners would have any better success running a department that is underfunded.

The domestic animal population in Los Angeles is exploding, and that causes problems. Over the last three years more than 150,000 dogs and cats have been impounded after being caught or turned in by owners who either did not want them or could not care for them.

Animal welfare advocates are correct to push for expansion of adoption and sterilization programs. But a new part-time commission wouldn’t necessarily improve conditions.

Instead, the new mayor should pick a general manager for the Animal Regulation Department who can work with the public and is willing to make changes. Voters should reject Charter Amendment 5.