Create an independent inspector general for City Hall

Immediately after being sworn into office, L.A.’s next mayor should convene a meeting of his or her staff, appointees and department general managers — the top leadership in City Hall — and in front of the assembled media say:

“The people of Los Angeles have spoken. They’re sick and tired of the corruption, the racism, the selfishness, the winner-take-all attitude and the acceptance of mediocrity that plague City Hall. Starting today, the buck stops here. I’m not saying that everybody is corrupt, but we need a fundamental change in culture. The ‘pay to play’ system that has led to the departure of three council members and a deputy mayor must stop. If you learn about misconduct or unethical behavior in government, I expect you to tell me, even if it involves a friend, political ally or donor. Don’t put me in the position of having to say that nobody told me about the latest transgression.”

The new mayor should continue: “We need to put a better system in place to ensure that officials who betray the public trust will be caught and punished. I propose a charter amendment to empower an independent inspector general to investigate misconduct. To be truly independent — to inspire fear — the inspector general will need an adequate budget and legal authority to avoid relying on the good graces of the mayor and the City Council.”

Michael Woo was a member of the L.A. City Council from 1985 to 1993.