LA Approves Anti-Corruption Office
Los Angeles' City Charter Commission has approved a series of reforms aimed at restoring public trust in local government. The changes include streamlining the City Attorney’s Office and creating a new anti-corruption office. The move follows widespread concerns about government integrity in the city.
- The commission was formed in response to a 2022 scandal where recorded conversations revealed city council members making racist remarks and discussing how to maintain their power. - The proposed anti-corruption body would be an Office of the Inspector General, housed within the Ethics Commission, with the power to launch its own investigations. - This move follows several high-profile corruption cases, including the conviction of former councilmember José Huizar for taking nearly $2 million in bribes from real estate developers. - Another sitting councilmember, Curren Price, is currently facing trial on felony charges of embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest. - The approved reforms also propose splitting the City Attorney's Office, which currently handles both civil litigation and criminal misdemeanor prosecutions. The proposed change would create an appointed city attorney for advising officials and an elected city prosecutor. - All proposed changes to the city's charter must first be sent to the City Council, which will then decide whether to place them on the ballot for voter approval. - The commission is also considering other major changes, including increasing the number of City Council seats from 15 to 23.
