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.
State AG Jerry Brown subpoenas Bell City records in pay scandal
California Attorney General Jerry Brown speaks during a news conference on July 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Brown, who is also the democratic gubernatorial candidate, said his office has issued subpoenas for hundreds of employment, salary and other records from the city of Bell, as part of an investigation into the hefty salaries being paid to top administrators and elected officials.
(
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:58
State AG Jerry Brown subpoenas Bell City records in pay scandal
State AG Jerry Brown subpoenas Bell City records in pay scandal
State Attorney General Jerry Brown on Monday subpoenaed hundreds of employment records from the city of Bell, where the chief administrative officer made nearly $800,000 a year.
Brown told a news conference in downtown Los Angeles that Bell's city charter may prohibit the large salaries that the City Council paid itself and the chief administrative officer.
“The charter of Bell says that the salaries that are paid should be commensurate with the duties of the office," Brown said. "Commensurate legally means that there is a proportionally, there’s a relationship between the pay and the work.”
Brown conceded that cities have wide latitude when it comes to pay. But he said he’ll consider filing criminal or civil charges.
Sponsored message
Last week, three top Bell city officials resigned. On Monday, the city council discusses its own salaries. Four of the five council members make $100,000 a year for their part-time work.
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
