Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian has signed a ballot argument in favor of Charter Amendment ER, calling it a significant ethics reform measure for the Ethics Commission. However, some critics believe the proposal is too watered down. Nonprofit California Common Cause expressed disappointment with the final language of the amendment, as they were hoping to give the Ethics Commission more power to send reform measures directly to voters, bypassing the council.
California Common Cause and other groups had hoped to implement changes that would reduce corruption and increase transparency at City Hall. They were disappointed when the Los Angeles City Council decided to maintain the current system, which they believe perpetuates a broken and shameful status quo.
Efforts by reform groups to include provisions to expand the size of the Ethics Commission and prevent politicians from appointing two of its members were unsuccessful. These groups believe that the council missed an opportunity to instigate meaningful change in the city’s government.
Despite differing opinions on Charter Amendment ER, the debate highlights the ongoing struggle to address corruption and ethics issues within the Los Angeles City government. As residents continue to push for reform, it remains to be seen how future measures will be received and whether they will be effective in restoring trust in local elected officials.
Source
Photo credit www.latimes.com