The Los Angeles Times' incredible revelations about municipal government in the city of Bell just keep on coming since the initial installment last week. They've been the talk of the Daily Breeze newsroom (or maybe it's just me, squealing with every new detail).
This afternoon, reporters tell us that City Manager Robert Rizzo, whose nearly $800,000 salary is driving the coverage, was arrested for drunken driving in Orange County earlier this year. His blood-alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit.
Also today comes the news that Attorney General (and gubernatorial candidate) Jerry Brown will investigate the salaries.
But what might be of special local interest, at least in Rancho Palos Verdes, is this new tidbit from writer Jeff Gottlieb, who also covers the South Bay: the Bell City Council used its status as a charter city to raise member salaries to nearly $100,000.
As Rancho Palos Verdes considers whether to join the quarter of California municipalities that have elected to become charter cities -- allowing them greater authority over their own affairs -- this may give some voters pause. Certainly some critics of the RPV council have already questioned the panel's motivation for embarking on the charter city quest. (RPV electeds say they're interested in getting more local control over issues such as land use.)
General law cities are limited by state statute to paying council members between $300 and $1,000 per month, depending on the size of the city. Voters can approve salary hikes, and there is a provision for ordinances allowing raises, but it's only 5 percent per year. (RPV council members can receive only $400 per month in salary.)
Charter cities can do whatever they want, as long as the council approves it in a public meeting.
Voters are expected to weigh the RPV charter initiative in March. Share your own thoughts below.
This afternoon, reporters tell us that City Manager Robert Rizzo, whose nearly $800,000 salary is driving the coverage, was arrested for drunken driving in Orange County earlier this year. His blood-alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit.
Also today comes the news that Attorney General (and gubernatorial candidate) Jerry Brown will investigate the salaries.
But what might be of special local interest, at least in Rancho Palos Verdes, is this new tidbit from writer Jeff Gottlieb, who also covers the South Bay: the Bell City Council used its status as a charter city to raise member salaries to nearly $100,000.
As Rancho Palos Verdes considers whether to join the quarter of California municipalities that have elected to become charter cities -- allowing them greater authority over their own affairs -- this may give some voters pause. Certainly some critics of the RPV council have already questioned the panel's motivation for embarking on the charter city quest. (RPV electeds say they're interested in getting more local control over issues such as land use.)
General law cities are limited by state statute to paying council members between $300 and $1,000 per month, depending on the size of the city. Voters can approve salary hikes, and there is a provision for ordinances allowing raises, but it's only 5 percent per year. (RPV council members can receive only $400 per month in salary.)
Charter cities can do whatever they want, as long as the council approves it in a public meeting.
Voters are expected to weigh the RPV charter initiative in March. Share your own thoughts below.
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