With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
California state legislators announce legislation in response to Bell scandal
Assembly Speaker John A. Perez speaks at a press conference on August 19, 2010 announcing legislation in response to the scandals involving the pay of Bell city officials.
(
Nataly Tavidian/KPCC
)
Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez and Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg announced legislation today in response to a city pay scandal in Bell.
"An unforgivable offense – they made the decision, and a series of decisions, based on self-interest rather than the people's interest," said Steinberg, D-Sacramento. "The bills that both houses will work on over the next 10 days will increase transparency and ensure accountability of local government officials and their decisions."
Perez, D-Los Angeles, added: "The inflated salaries paid Bell city officials is a gross affront to the hardworking people of Bell, and frankly, people all over California.
"At a time when Californians are struggling to cope with the most devastating recession since the Great Depression, our elected officials and civic leaders need to be tightening their belts alongside of everyone else."
Sponsored message
Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate, said that this legislation addresses the three main problems in Bell: city council salaries, transparency and contracts for administrators.
De La Torre specifically mentioned Robert Rizzo, the city manager making almost $800,000 per year.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
