A quiet revolution occurred in Los Angeles County, with voters approving a ballot measure to overhaul its governance structure. The change will expand the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members, making it more representative of the county’s diverse population. The reform is seen as a step towards greater accountability and representation for the 10 million residents.
The move was backed by a majority of the current board, reducing individual supervisors’ clout and sparking praise from Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the measure. “Five supervisors for 10 million people? That doesn’t make sense,” she said. “It means we can do a lot better.”
A new elected county executive position will also be created, with the first election set to occur in 2028. This move is expected to have significant implications, as the position will likely become a stepping stone for future gubernatorial candidates.
In contrast, San Francisco’s governance structure was not altered after voters ousted their mayor and rejected a proposal to reduce semi-independent commissions. The city’s unique system of governance has been criticized for its complexity and inefficiency.
The Los Angeles County reform is seen as a positive step towards more effective governance, while San Francisco’s approach raises questions about the effectiveness of its current structure.
Source: https://smdp.com/2024/11/19