Exposing a Hidden Demand for Higher Taxes

It’s unlikely anyone filling out state income tax returns about now is complaining that Sacramento isn’t getting enough.

Still, a bill introduced in the state Senate would give Californians an opportunity to check a new box on their return labeled “Tax Me More” and sign over a larger portion of their paycheck to the state treasury.

The tax form would explain: “If you do not believe that the state of California has collected enough taxes from you, this line enables you to tax yourself any additional amount you choose to fund state government.”

The bill is the work of conservative state Sen. Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks), who introduced it as a legislative broadside at what he sees as a predilection of Democratic colleagues to raise taxes whenever they need some spare change.

“We have got a variety of proposals to massively raise taxes, and it is predicated on the claim that the public is clamoring for tax increases,” McClintock said. “Let’s put it to the test. If we have hordes of people out there who don’t feel they pay enough taxes, we ought to help them.”

McClintock, who is the Republican nominee for state controller, was joined by six other senators in introducing the legislation. Nine Assembly members are listed as co-authors.

McClintock said he introduced the bill after reading a quote from Assemblywoman Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) in the San Francisco Chronicle indicating that she thought some people would “be happy to throw back a few bucks to help working families....”

Migden said she was flattered that McClintock paid attention to her comments, which were made in support of reinstating the state’s vehicle registration fee.

For Hahn, Roast Is Like a Trip to the Dentist

The jabs flew fast and furious Tuesday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn was roasted by the city’s political establishment.

Almost 1,000 people attended the event, which was a benefit for the American Diabetes Assn.

But the elected officials and other dignitaries took full advantage of the opportunity to swing cheerfully at Hahn, who is engaged in a tough campaign to oust Police Chief Bernard C. Parks.

“He did get some good news last week,” former Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg, who served as master of ceremonies, said of Hahn. “His approval ratings are higher than the governor’s.”

County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said he wanted to “honor a man who has a boundless future.”

“But enough about [City Atty.] Rocky Delgadillo,” he added.

City Council President Alex Padilla said Hahn’s tenure has illustrated a political truth about Los Angeles.

“Tom Bradley proved that he could be mayor of Los Angeles for decades,” he said. “Dick Riordan proved that anybody can be mayor of L.A. And Jim Hahn has proved that it really doesn’t matter who the mayor is.”

Hahn took the evening in stride, laughing and grimacing at times as the roasters poked fun at him.

“I’m glad the evening is drawing to a close,” he said. The mayor compared the four-hour event to a recent trip to the dentist.

Finding Real Dirt on Energy Debacle

California investigators hoping to get to the bottom of last summer’s energy debacle are having to dig through a lot of trash to get there.

Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer said when members of his energy task force went to the Portland, Ore., offices of Enron Corp. to enforce a subpoena for records, they were directed to more than 900 boxes, but also ended up having to sift through “recycling” boxes.

The latter not only contained documents, but also crusted food containers, food residue, discarded Kleenex, mail-order catalogs and personal mail, Lockyer complained.

“Enron has been equally contemptible in failing to turn over subpoenaed materials from its offices in California and Texas,” the top state prosecutor said.

No Apparent Hurry for New Ethics Rules

Eight months after the Los Angeles Ethics Commission recommended new rules limiting the ties of City Council members and lobbyists, the measure remains stuck in committee with no date set for action.

Council President Alex Padilla said at a Dec. 17 meeting of the Rules and Elections Committee that he had some questions about the new rules, and ordered a report by the chief legislative analyst so the matter could be back in committee for action in 45 days. That was 99 days ago.

Ethics Commission Executive Director LeeAnn Pelham said she hopes the measure will eventually be taken up.

When asked about the matter last week, Padilla said he will check into the delay.

“I’m cracking down on the CLA to finalize their report,” he said. “They had a draft of the report that they wanted to share with LeeAnn Pelham before finalizing.”

Pelham denied that the Ethics Commission has played any role in delays.

The new rules would require council members to abstain from votes involving lobbyists who try to influence them while also serving as fund-raisers and campaign consultants for the elected officials.

Rhetoric Is at Odds With What’s Realistic

Trial lawyer and Thousand Oaks Mayor Ed Masry had his courtroom personality on last week when, full of ire, he called for the resignation of Ventura County Supervisor Frank Schillo.

“I think he owes it to us!” Masry bellowed, his shaggy white hair flapping and his face reddening.

But his heart didn’t seem to be in it. Moments later, when asked how he intended to pressure Schillo, Masry conceded, “I don’t really think there’s any possibility Mr. Schillo’s going to resign. I don’t think that’s realistic.”

Masry wants to kill the 3,050-home Ahmanson Ranch development at the county’s edge by ordering new study upon study. Schillo won’t sign off on a new traffic study, saying one done a decade ago should suffice.

Points Taken

* What a difference two years have made for Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank). In 2000, Schiff challenged and beat Rep. James Rogan in a contest that set a new record for spending in a House race, with $11.5 million spent between the two of them. But redistricting strengthened the Democratic majority in the district, and so far this year Schiff has spent less than $500,000 against Republican opponent Jim Scileppi.

* Normally, winning election to the Los Angeles City Council, the highest paid in the nation, means a hefty pay raise for those who get the $139,784 jobs. But Wendy Greuel will take a substantial pay cut--more than $30,000--to give up her job as an executive with the entertainment firm DreamWorks SKG and join the City Council.

* As Los Angeles city officials spend a 14th year debating a ban on billboards, San Francisco voters went ahead this month and decisively settled the issue. Slightly more than 79% of the voters in the March 5 election approved a ban on new billboards in San Francisco.

You Can Quote Me

“You are really challenging the assumption that there is no such thing as bad publicity.”

--Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn at a roast for her brother, Mayor James K. Hahn.

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Which one is the rock star?: Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton), left, is the latest member of Congress to be seen with Bono, the hip lead singer of the Irish rock band U2. Bono, a passionate champion of Africa, has been making the rounds in Washington, lobbying for debt relief for Third World nations. He discussed the issue with Royce, who is chairman of the House Africa Subcommittee.

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Columnist Patt Morrison has the day off. This week’s contributors include Miguel Bustillo, Matea Gold, Margaret Talev and Nancy Vogel.