Ethics Rules Extended for Special Elections

Emergency ethics rules imposed by the Los Angeles City Council for last month’s municipal elections were extended Tuesday to upcoming elections to fill two council vacancies.

The rules require political parties, unions and other organizations that spend more than $10,000 to support or oppose city candidates to disclose their actions to the city Ethics Commission at least seven days before the election.

In addition, candidates conducting a telephone campaign of more than 1,000 phone calls must provide the Ethics Commission with a script, and disclose the sponsor.

The rules will apply to the Sept. 11 special election to fill the 4th Council District seat left open by the death of John Ferraro, as well as a special election that probably will be held in mid-January to fill the 2nd District seat being vacated by Joel Wachs.