This election, Los Angeles voters are asked to consider Charter Amendment HH, which proposes updates to city governance, appointments, and elections. While aimed at improving transparency and accountability, these changes could also introduce new complexities and costs.
Key Proposals:
Financial Disclosures for Commission Appointees:
Appointees would need to file financial disclosures before being confirmed, ensuring transparency but possibly delaying appointments.
Expanded Auditing for City Contractors:
The City Controller would have authority to audit subcontractors using city funds. While increasing oversight, this could create additional burdens for smaller contractors.
Subpoena Power for the City Attorney:
Expands the City Attorney's power to issue subpoenas, aiding investigations but raising potential privacy concerns.
Temporary General Manager Appointments:
Allows temporary appointments to key city positions, ensuring continuity but potentially lacking long-term accountability.
Impact Evaluation for New Laws:
Introduces a process to assess the fiscal impact of proposed laws, providing clarity to voters but potentially slowing the initiative process.
Harbor Commission Residency Requirements:
Mandates that at least two Harbor Commissioners live in the Harbor area, increasing local representation.
Concerns for Taxpayers:
While the proposals seek to improve governance, they could also increase administrative costs and slow decision-making. Expanding auditing and subpoena powers, in particular, might add complexity to the city’s operations without clear cost-benefit advantages.
Conclusion:
Amendment HH aims to improve transparency and oversight, but voters should consider whether these changes justify the potential for increased bureaucracy and spending. As the city government seeks to cover higher administrative costs, there could be an increase in fees related to vehicle registration, parking, or other services that directly affect drivers.
