Los Angeles Ethics Bill

Why do City Council members meander the council chambers and constantly talk during public meetings? That was the question I asked myself when I took the time from work to attend the council’s “ethics” hearings. I knew why I was there. I wanted to participate in democracy, show my support for reform and listen to and observe democracy at work. However, it was quite clear that public hearings don’t involve much listening at all.

Prestigious citizens gave earnest testimony about the importance of reform in city government. Meanwhile, council members snacked on crackers, joked with the bailiffs and conversed with staff. It is understandable that council members have matters to attend to during these hearings which require some communication with their staff, etc.

However, the lack of common courtesy by council members to persons giving testimony and the obvious lack of real interest in hearing what they had to say was inexcusable.

Ethics in government is only one piece of the puzzle. Democratic government requires that citizens have the opportunity to meaningfully participate in local government and receive the respect that they, as citizens, deserve. And unless citizens such as myself can feel wanted and listened to by their elected officials both inside and outside the public forum, then the process is one big joke, albeit a sad one.

CYNTHIA GOODMAN

Los Angeles