Ethics Reform in Los Angeles

I was hopeful when I read about the ethical reforms proposed by a mayoral commission (Nov. 21-22) to apply to Los Angeles city elected officials. I was dismayed to read that members of the City Council are expected to come out against the reforms.

Electoral positions of public trust should have attractive enough salaries to encourage people to serve, let them maintain an appropriate life style, and put their children through college.

There should be no augmenting of that salary, however. If a person cannot get by on the stated salary, he shouldn’t run for that office. No outside employment, lobbyist gifts, free passes, gift vacations or trips or honorariums should be allowed--period. No exceptions should be permitted, and that also means the abolition of political action committees.

If rules such as these had been in effect by 1988, Mayor Tom Bradley’s reputation would still be intact. If these reforms are enacted, perhaps we will not have to read the conflict of interest stories or other tales of petty greed reported all too frequently in The Times.

If the City Council won’t enact these needed regulations or the mayor declines to sign such a bill into law, then a ballot initiative should be passed to try to keep our city officials semi-honest.

GARY A. LYNCH

Los Angeles