Los Angeles voters will decide on six charter amendments, including changes in the controversial city redistricting process as well as revamping the city’s Ethics Commission.
“The Los Angeles City Charter spells out the powers and duties of city departments, offices and elected officials, among other things,” writes reporter Dakota Smith. “Voters have approved 29 changes to the charter since 2000, the last time a new charter went into effect.”
The drawing of new boundaries for the City Council’s 15 districts has resulted in power plays, self-dealing and even some score-settling at City Hall.
After a string of City Hall corruption scandals, a ballot measure would strengthen the Ethics Commission by boosting its budget, increasing penalties for wrongdoing and giving it the power to hire its own lawyer.
There are three other law enforcement agencies in addition to the LAPD that patrol Los Angeles parks, the port and the airport. But their officers have a different retirement plan than the city’s other public safety employees.
The measure would make an array of changes to the Los Angeles City Charter intended to strengthen the city’s powers, including clarifying the responsibilities of elected officials and commissioners.
From parks to concessions, the ballot measure Amendment II would allow for changes in how the city operates.
Charter Amendment LL, like Charter Amendment DD for the L.A. City Council, would create a redistricting process for the Los Angeles Unified School District.