Los Angeles voters March 8 overwhelmingly approved two measures aimed at reforming the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. One measure-approved by almost 76 percent of voters-sets up a new Office of Public Accountability. The other-backed by about 82 percent of voters-establishes a clear-cut process for regular transfers to the city general fund of surplus money the muni collects from customers. There was no organized opposition to the measures and little, if any, active campaigning. The day after the election, LADWP stated that it would work with the new office cooperatively and already is working to improve its budgeting process regarding the transfer of money. The Los Angeles City Council voted to put the measures before voters last year after LADWP, under former general manager David Freeman, sought to hold up the regular transfer of surplus revenue into the general fund unless rates were significantly increased (Current, March 26, 2010). The Office of Public Accountability measure, known as Charter Amendment I, establishes a new independent office to analyze LADWP actions that affect rates for power and water in the sprawling city. The office also is to include a ratepayer advocate position. Los Angeles city council president Eric Garcetti and other local lawmakers stated the office will "shed greater light" on the muni. They criticized the muni for in the past proposing rate increases with little or no explanation. The other measure, Charter Amendment J, requires LADWP to submit a preliminary budget to the city council outlining any expected transfer of money to the city general fund and then to openly justify any subsequent decision not to transfer the funds. Council members stated that an orderly process is needed because the city depends upon the transfers to fund critical services like police and fire protection.
