LOS ANGELES : All Elected City Officials Will Waive 5% Pay Raise

All 18 elected officials in the city of Los Angeles declared before a Tuesday deadline that they will waive a 5% pay increase scheduled to begin in the New Year, or else donate the money to charity or other causes.

Thirteen City Council members joined Mayor Richard Riordan, City Atty. James K. Hahn and City Controller Rick Tuttle in waiving the raises. Council members would have received hikes from $90,680 to $95,214.

Council members Hal Bernson and Nate Holden said they will give their raises to aid the community. Bernson said his will go to the Devonshire and Foothill police divisions; Holden will give his to the American Youth Foundation.

Council members said that during a time of economic hardship they were uncomfortable taking the raises--which were tied to those of Municipal Court judges by a 1990 law. The city will save nearly $70,000 because of the waivers.