The recent three-part series on Charter reform written by Robert Johnson in Random Lengths was well done and highlighted the array of issues brought out in the current reform movement. It is rare that the basic rules of government get reviewed in such a comprehensive manner (in the case of Los Angeles by the special appointed and elected Charter Reform Commissions created in 1996 and 1997) Citizens more often are addressing a specific operational issue before a governmental institution, controlled by the rules set forth in a constitution or Charter. Hopefully, more will be written on Charter Reform in the coming weeks as the issues become more clearly defined in proposals drafted by the two commissions for placement on the 1999 April City Municipal elections ballot.

Readers should know that specific proposals being made by both the appointed and elected commissions are being submitted to a joint-conference committee (made up of five commissioners from each commission) on a weekly basis to try to seek consensus on what should go into a comprehensive Charter reform document for voter approval next year. What tentative positions are agreed to in the joint conference committee are taken back to the respective commissions for review and approval. Drafts on various Charter revisions will be submitted to the public for comment before being finalized for placement on the ballot, hopefully in April of next year. It is the view of most of the 35 appointed and elected commissioners that the best chance to obtain real reform is to place before the voters a clear, concise, and easy-to-read jointly supported reform document for voter approval. The commissioners are all volunteering many hours of their time to seek real reform in the rules of the city's Charter. Hopefully, readers will get or keep interested in this historical moment for Los Angeles--a Charter for the 21st Century.

Jerry Gaines, Commissioner

(representing the 15th Council District on the Appointed Charter Reform Commission)

Reporter's Reply: I appreciate your comments and the work you are putting into the process. Unlike apparently everyone involved, though, I am not thrilled by the increasing congruence of the two commissions. I would much rather see two vastly different options placed before the voters. A choice, even. The current movement of the Reform process is smugly ironing out any and all of the truly interesting possibilities that have been suggested--in pursuit of the grand consensus.

--Robert Johnson

RANDOM LENGTHS NEWS