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California Speaker dismisses Vernon officials’ reform efforts
John Perez (L) authored the bill which will dissolve Vernon's city charter.
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California Speaker dismisses Vernon officials’ reform efforts
The City Council of Vernon voted to adopt a package of reforms Thursday to address accusations of corruption, nepotism and voter intimidation. City officials and business leaders are trying to derail a bill moving through the state legislature to disincorporate the tiny but wealthy LA County city.
Vernon City council members agreed to cut and cap their pay and limited themselves to two more terms in office. But the reforms were dismissed by California Assembly Speaker John Perez whose district includes Vernon. He’s pushing to dissolve the city, which has about 100 residents.
Perez spokesman John Vigna called reforms “window dressing.”
"The term limits that they’re talking about don’t go into effect for another decade. So these folks who are currently in their 70's will continue to serve as Vernon’s leaders until they’re 80."
Vigna says the assembly speaker’s biggest concern is the influence the Vernon’s city council wields over its voters.
"And the main issue that gives the city council such unprecedented control over the voters is the fact that they own all of the housing in Vernon." says Vigna.
The Vernon reform package includes a plan to create a commission that would develop a new housing policy but Vigna says that won’t bring needed changes because the Mayor and the City Council will appoint the commission.
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Legislation to disincorporate Vernon would put the city under the control of Los Angeles County.
The Assembly’s expected to vote on the bill next month.
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