What would Measure G do?
If the majority of Los Angeles County voters say “yes” on Measure G, they would allow the county to amend its charter to increase the total number of supervisors to nine, instead of the current five. If passed, the county would also create a county executive, who would essentially become “the mayor of the county,” who would be selected by LA County voters. Measure G also seeks to establish an ethics commission and a legislative analyst, which would review possible policies for the county.
3 vs. 2
While Supervisors Lindsey Horvath, Janice Hahn, and Hilda Solis are supporting Measure G, Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Kathryn Barger are against it.
Why supporters want Measure G
- More representation: Los Angeles County is too massive and diverse to be represented by just five people. Supervisors Horvath, who represents the third district, which includes LA’s Westside and the San Fernando Valley, argues county governance reform is long overdue. “The last time the county government changed was back in 1912 when there were more cows than people in this county,” Horvath said. “We need to change our government to make it responsive to 21st century needs.”
- More diversity: Supporters use Supervisor Hilda Solis as an example for why the county board needs to be expanded: While nearly half of LA County’s population is Hispanic, Solis is the lone Latina member of the board. By having more seats at the table and more voices to reflect the diverse county, there will be more policies that could serve and represent different areas, according to Horvath and other supporters.
- Mayor of Los Angeles County: In addition to more board members, Measure G seeks to establish a county executive, who would be like a county mayor. Instead of the current Los Angeles County CEO who is appointed by the board, Measure G would make that position an elected office, which would force the county’s budget process more transparent, and whoever drafting the budget would be more accountable to the people of LA, supporters argue.
What opponents say about Measure G
- Giving too much power to one person: Opponents say if the position of a county executive is created, the person would have no term limits while overseeing the county with the authority to hire and fire county department heads. This mayor of the county would also have full control over the county’s budget with no veto power over the board, according to opponents.
- Too costly: While Measure G supporters say that the expansion of the county government would not cost taxpayers, opponents do not buy the argument. Mitchell says all the costs of increasing the number of board districts and creating the county mayor position would come from the existing county budget. “I don’t know how you set up this brand-new infrastructure of a county-wide CEO, add four new supervisors, plus their staffs and not think it’s going to cost LA County residents money,” Mitchell said.
- Stepchildren of LA County: Opponents argue that those who live in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County would become more disenfranchised under Measure G. As the pie of the LA County budget and resources are split into more slices – more districts and more decision-makers – the board would be more stifled to provide municipal services in the incorporated neighborhoods, opponents claim.
Conclusion
The debate around Measure G highlights the tensions between those advocating for greater representation and diversity in county government and those concerned about the potential consequences of expanded government. As the November election approaches, it is essential for voters to weigh the pros and cons of this complex issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What would Measure G do?
A: Measure G would increase the number of supervisors to nine, create a county executive, and establish an ethics commission and a legislative analyst.
Q: Why are some supervisors supporting Measure G?
A: Supervisors Horvath, Hahn, and Solis support Measure G due to concerns about representation and diversity in county government.
Q: What are the concerns about Measure G?
A: Opponents argue that Measure G would give too much power to one person, be too costly, and disenfranchise residents in unincorporated areas.