Two Congressional representatives, Rep. Judy Chu and Rep. Ted Lieu, are supporting a proposal to revamp the Los Angeles County government by expanding the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members. This would create more representation for communities such as the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, which is the largest in the nation. The proposed ballot measure would also make the CEO of the county an elected position.
Chu and Lieu emphasized the importance of ensuring that the government reflects the diverse population of the region, especially with the significant growth of AAPI communities across L.A. County. They highlighted the lack of AAPI representation on the Board of Supervisors and cited historical discriminatory laws that have marginalized the community.
The proposed changes include the establishment of a director of budget, a legislative analyst, and an independent ethics commission to increase transparency and accountability within the county’s governance. The goal is to make it easier for county leaders to respond to the needs of their constituents and ensure better access to elected supervisors who represent them.
Supervisors Lindsey Horvath, Janice Hahn, and Hilda Solis are also supporting the proposal, with plans for a more open and transparent budget process. The Board of Supervisors is expected to take a vote on the draft ordinances that would place the proposed County Charter changes on the November ballot. If approved, the final vote will take place in late July. The ultimate aim is to create a more representative and effective government that includes diverse voices in decision-making processes.
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