Charter Reform Panel to Seek Public Input

The elected Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission will hold public meetings approximately every two weeks through June in an effort to engage citizens in the process of reforming city government, officials said.

In the first meeting Monday in Northridge, the Committee on Improving Financial and Managerial Accountability, one of five committees that make up the commission, will present proposals for provisions on the city charter concerning budget and finance, said Geoffrey Garfield, administrative director of the commission.

“We’re trying to evaluate a better way of handling the city’s money and accounting functions,” Garfield said.

Specifically, committee members will discuss who has ultimate control over city revenue and spending, the relationship of the mayor and City Council in the budget process, who should have auditing responsibility and how to keep debt under control, Garfield said.

The session will include an opportunity for public response and input.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the grand ballroom at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 17037 Plummer St. at Balboa Boulevard.

At the next Valley meeting, scheduled March 30 in Reseda, the Committee on Improving Delivery of Services will discuss issues concerning public safety, Garfield said.

For more information, contact the commission at (213) 977-6700.