LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County Voters will decide the fate of Measure G in the upcoming election, a proposal to revamp the county’s government structure for the first time in more than a century.

The measure, introduced by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn, aims to increase the number of seats on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from 5 to 9 and establish the county CEO position as an elected role. The current CEO is appointed by the supervisory board.

During a recent interview with FOX 11’s Marla Tellez, Supervisor Horvath argued these changes were “long overdue” and necessary to bring government closer to the people by creating “long overdue checks and balances.” The reforms also include the creation of an independent ethics commission responsible for ensuring the accountability of elected officials. Horvath assured that no additional costs to taxpayers were involved as the measure prohibits tax increases to finance these changes.

Unlike eight previous failed attempts to change the size of the board, most recently in 2020, Horvath believes the current proposal differs because of its comprehensive approach, integrating board expansion with an elected executive and ethics in one package.

Responding to criticism of potential increased costs associated with expanding the Council and adding staff, Horvath stressed that funds can be reallocated from the existing budget, citing a financial analysis projecting a cost of $8 million. of dollars that can be covered in the budget’s nearly $50 billion budget. county.

The appointment of an elected CEO is seen as a separation of executive and legislative powers within the county, aimed at ensuring efficiency and accountability. Although the new position currently has no term limits due to the California constitution, Horvath noted that she has found state lawmakers willing to change that if voters want it.

Opposition voices, like Supervisor Kathryn Barger, fear the reform would grant excessive power to the elected CEO, potentially creating a “king or queen of Los Angeles.” Horvath addressed these concerns by detailing the checks and balances built into the charter amendment, including conditional termination authority and the balance of power between the new CEO and board of directors.

Horvath also clarified his position on a motion passed to improve transparency on the board, emphasizing his support for addressing critical operational questions and mentioning a provision in Measure G that eliminates the hated practice of waiving motions on the board of directors’ agenda at the last minute.