HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-10-27 - AGENDA REPORTS - LACO BALLOT MEASURE (2)NEW BUSINESS
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
BACKGROUND
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval Az
Item to be presented
Michael Murphy
October 27, 1992
Los Angeles County Executive Ballot Measure
City Manager
The' Charter of the County of Los Angeles currently provides that both
legislative and executive powers are vested with the Board of Supervisors.
Los Angeles County Measure B, to be voted upon at the November 3, 1992.election,
proposes the creation of an elected County Executive. The Executive would be
elected for a four year term beginning with the 1994 general election.
The powers conferred on the new County Executive would include, but not be
limited to, preparing budgets, approving or vetoing ordinances, resolutions and
budget line items. The County Executive, subject to the approval of the Board
of Supervisors, would appoint County department heads and members of County
boards, commissions and committees. The present position of Chief
Administrative Officer would become the new Director of Finance and report to
the County Executive.
The Board of Supervisors would continue to exercise all legislative powers. The
Board of Supervisors could override the County Executive's veto by a two-thirds
vote of all members. The professional staff *of each Supervisor will be reduced
at the time the County Executive assumes office.
The position of Legislative Auditor is created under Measure B. This position
would be appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
This ballot measure is part of a package with Measure C, the Los Angeles County
Board of Supervisors expansion. The expansion measure. would not become
effective unless this measure is also approved. However, Measure B can be
approved and made operative even if the Board expansion proposition fails.
ANALYSIS
Proponents of the ballot measure argue that an elected County Executive would be
directly responsible to the voters. They also note that separation of executive
and legislative powers will give the Board of Supervisors more opportunity to
concentrate on public policy matters and make them more responsive to
constituents concerns. Finally, supporters believe that Measure B will control
County administrative costs by specifically limiting budget and staff
appropriations to current levels, with adjustments for population growth and
inflation.
Agenda Item:_;_I
Los Angeles County Executive Ballot Measure
October 27, 1992
Page 2
Opponents argue that a County Executive will only add to the cost of County
government and not provide any additional accountability. They note that this
position creates a new "political power" position at a time when voters are
seeking to reign in individual political power brokers. Opponents finally argue
that realigning County administration does not provide any assurances for
increased County services.
Discuss and adopt a position regarding Los Angeles County Ballot Measure B.
MPM:396