Bernson Challenged on Use of Funds

The long-running battle between the Los Angeles Ethics Commission and City Councilman Hal Bernson has escalated with the commission ordering Bernson to justify his use of political officeholder funds to buy tickets to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

Greig Smith, Bernson’s chief of staff, said Saturday that the commission sent Bernson a letter two weeks ago challenging his use of the funds, which come from contributions by political supporters for non-campaign activities.

Smith said Bernson spent $1,320 on season tickets to the Hollywood Bowl concerts last year.

Bernson has defended the practice as proper under new procedures established by the ethics commission, said Smith. The guidelines, Smith said, allow officeholder funds to be used to help such nonprofit foundations as the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The executive director of the commission, Rebecca Avila, could not be reached for comment Saturday.

Neither could Bernson, who was on a fishing trip in the Sierra Nevada. But a spokeswoman, Francine Oschin, said the issue is part of “an ongoing battle between the councilman and the commission.”

Bernson, she said, likes to meet with constituents in an informal setting. “He is doing this to spend time with constituents on a more social level, where they can chat about city business or community issues in a more relaxed atmosphere,” she said.

She said Bernson has nothing to gain financially by using officeholder funds to buy the tickets, because he has spent more money on lawyers to defend the practice than the tickets are worth.

Smith said ethics procedures give the commission the power to fine officials for violating commission regulations.