L.A. needs an elected public advocate

federal grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Let’s tap into those dollars, but prioritize investments in marginalized communities.

In city redistricting, my organization drew maps to protect the interests of Asian Pacific Islander communities, but we were always mindful that other communities of color not be disenfranchised. In Koreatown, our nonprofit coalition mobilized Korean, Bangladeshi and Latinx residents to help draw a unified map. In state redistricting, we met regularly with diverse communitybased organizations and exchanged maps so we could be careful not to dilute one another’s voting power. The city should institutionalize such best practices.

Investing in BIPOC communities is urgent and critical for the city’s public safety and economic growth.

Connie Chung Joe is chief executive of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California.

Every vote taken, motion introduced or word spoken by a Los Angeles City Council member is made with an assessment of how it might draw the ire of the council president, who has the power to yank members from cherished committees or never schedule votes on their essential items.

Just as money wields a silencing power at City Hall, so does the council president. We can change this dynamic and offer a true voice for the people by amending the City Charter to create an elected office of public advocate.

In New York City, the public advocate is elected by city voters at large, serves as a good-government watchdog and is a nonvoting member of the City Council. The public advocate carries out investigations, issues reports and assists with the delivery of services. The office would be a place to turn for those who find their council member or a city department unresponsive.

The position would also act as a check on the mayor and council president, who rarely challenge each other but quietly hash out differences behind the scenes, and publicly project the image of a “happy family.”

While a public advocate can’t vote on council matters, he or she could introduce motions and speak on matters before the council. A public advocate would add a citywide voice to the council, someone looking at the bigger picture beyond the confines of individual district fiefdoms. The council president would still have enormous power. But if healthy dissent were to become a norm at City Hall, the council president would have to adjust to it.

Rob Quan is the lead organizer with Unrig LA.