Riordan, Wachs Kick Off City Suggestions Program

Think you could write the book on bureaucratic waste? Or at least come up with one time- and money-saving idea for boosting Los Angeles taxpayers’ return on their dollars?

Then Mayor Richard Riordan and Councilman Joel Wachs want to hear from you--fast.

Riordan and Wachs kicked off the city’s “Bright Ideas!” program at a news conference Friday (a Wachs aide brought along a giant lightbulb in case anyone missed the point). They invited anyone who works or lives within city boundaries to submit a suggestion for boosting efficiency of city services.

The ideas, due at City Hall by Sept. 30, will be judged by a four-member citizen steering committee, with the help of graduate students in USC’s School of Public Administration.

The best ones will be featured during on-campus workshops Nov. 16 in hopes that they can be put into effect in time for next year’s budget deliberations.

People who live or work in Los Angeles can send their suggestions to: “Bright Ideas!” Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles 90012. The technologically up-to-date may use the e-mail address: ideas@mayor.ci.la.ca.us

Suggestions should be no longer than 500 words (charts or pictures can be used to help explain the idea), and must include the contributor’s name, address and daytime telephone number.