Controller Denounces DWP Parties

Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick refused to pay for several Department of Water and Power parties that she said reveal the agency’s “frivolous” attitude toward public money, and she forwarded the bills Friday to the City Council for review.

DWP officials said they are working with Chick’s office to develop guidelines to control spending on events and sponsorships.

Dubbing the DWP the “Department of Wasteful Practices,” Chick scrawled “DENIED” on an enlarged mock-up of a bill for a mid-February concert for large business customers that cost about $27,000. The tab included $16 a person for soft drinks.

“These expenses have been flying under the radar for a long time,” Chick said. “I’m drawing the line in the sand.”

Sitting on a table next to her were $16 worth of refreshments she had bought, including a gallon of Sparkletts water, a case of Pepsi and three liters of soda.

“That’s seems like a little much for one person to drink during an hour-and-a-half reception,” Chick said. “It’s hard to say how this brings bang for the buck and added value to the average ratepayer.”

Sponsors are expected to eventually pay most of the Green L.A. concert bills, said David Wiggs, the department’s general manager.

Wiggs said officials support Chick’s efforts to monitor the department’s spending. “We’re going to try to tighten up the policies and get them a little more specific,” he said. “We need to have some better guidelines to follow as to what’s not appropriate.”

Events such as the concert for VIP business customers and workshops for everyday citizens are essential to educate the city about the department’s energy conservation programs, Wiggs said.