The Times’ Endorsements in Los Angeles Election

The Times’ policy is to endorse selectively, on a case-by-case basis. These are our recommendations in some contested races, on charter amendments and on other ballot measures including a school bond issue in Tuesday’s Los Angeles city elections.

MUNICIPAL OFFICES Mayor: Richard J. Riordan.

City Controller: Rick Tuttle.

City Council District 11: Cindy Miscikowski.

BOARD OF EDUCATION District 4: Kenneth Sackman.

District 6: Julie Korenstein.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEES District 2: Elizabeth Garfield.

District 4: Kelly Candaele.

District 6: Althea Baker.

BALLOT MEASURES Charter Amendments 1 and 2: Election procedures. NO. These involve unwarranted changes in city election procedures. Any changes would be best addressed within a systematic review and rewrite of the charter. Charter Amendment 3: Police and fire pensions. YES. Would provide for equitable changes in the pension plans. Charter Amendments 4 and 5: Budget transfers and consolidated services. YES. These would streamline purchasing and inject needed flexibility to consolidate some services and facilities. Referendum Ordinance 6: Officeholder accounts. NO. Would get around voter-approved state reform by allowing elected city officials $75,000 accounts, more than state law currently allows.

Proposition 7: Business surtax. YES. Would continue existing 3.75% business surtax to help pay for police, fire and other municipal services.

CHARTER REFORM Proposition 8: Citizens commission to revise the city charter. YES. The 72-year-old charter contains layers of overlapping authority, lack of accountability and a maze of minutely detailed procedures that contribute to sluggish government. It needs review and rewrite.

Charter Reform Commissioners District 1: Gloria Romero, community college professor and trustee.

District 2: Anne Finn, community activist.

District 3: Gary Thomas, president United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley.

District 4: Bill Weinberger, attorney.

District 5: Erwin Chemerinsky, law professor.

District 6: Chester A. Widom, architect.

District 7: Marcos Castaneda, City Council aide.

District 8: Marguerite Archie-Hudson, former state assemblywoman and community college trustee.

District 9: Ricardo A. Torres II, attorney.

District 10: Jackie Dupont-Walker, economic developer.

District 11: Rob Glushon, attorney.

District 12: Keith Stuart Richman, physician and businessman.

District 13: Bennett Kayser, teacher.

District 14: Sylvia Robledo, hospital administrator.

District 15: Jerry Gaines, teacher.

SCHOOL FUNDING School Bond Proposition BB: YES. A much-needed $2.4-billion bond that would pay for school repairs, new construction and improved security and bring school buildings into earthquake safety compliance. Requires a two-thirds majority for passage.