Re: FW: PROTECTING THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW

[Tamiko Nakamoto]

>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Controller Chick [mailto:Controll...@lacity.org]
> Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 3:50 PM
> To: controll...@lacity.org
> Subject: PROTECTING THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
>
>
>
> Dear Friends,
>
>
> There has been discussion in the press about a "fight" between the City
> Attorney and myself. I'm writing to personally update you regarding this
> issue.
>
> In fact, the disagreement is over the City Controller's charter-mandated
> responsibilities to conduct performance audits. Section 261 (k) of the City
> Charter clearly says that the Controller shall "conduct performance audits
> of all departments and may conduct performance audits of City programs "
>
> Despite this language, the City Attorney has formally interpreted the
> charter to prohibit the Controller from conducting performance audits of
> programs if they are housed in elected officials' offices.
>
> The City Attorney has sued me to prevent my proceeding with an audit of his
> Workers' Compensation program. The only appropriate resolution is to now
> turn to the Los Angeles Superior Courts.
>
> I have exhausted all other options, including trying to have this matter
> placed before the voters on the March ballot, which the Council refused to
> do
>
> Yesterday, the City Council asked me to "stand down" in my attempt to have
> the Charter clarified and refused to give me paid legal counsel for my
> defense against the City Attorney's lawsuit. This is a fight over
> transparency and accountability and your right to know how your government
> is spending your taxpayer dollars. I will not back down or step aside. I
> will pursue this fight so the people of Los Angeles can have clarification
> once and for all on this important issue.
>
> Here are the links to two opinion pieces from today that really sum-up what
> this is all about:
>
> http://opinion.latimes.com/opinionla/2008/12/an-impatient-ch.html
>
> http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Chick-vs-Rocky-No-Decision.html