Charter Reform Commission Faces Turbulence as Key Appointee Resigns Amid Financial oversight Debate
Los Angeles’ Charter Reform Commission, tasked with perhaps reshaping teh city’s governing structure, is navigating a period of heightened scrutiny following the resignation of a key appointee and ongoing debate over proposed changes to financial oversight. The commission is working against an early April deadline to submit recommendations to the Los Angeles City Council.
Growing concerns Over Commission’s Direction
The departure of Martin schlageter, appointed to the commission by Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, comes as the panel faces criticism over a proposal to restructure the city’s financial oversight system. Schlageter, in a statement released Monday, expressed confidence in the commission’s work, stating he was “looking forward to seeing the results of the hard work of my fellow commissioners.”
New Role Aims to Avoid Conflict of Interest
schlageter will serve as a senior advisor for policy and legislation in the Council President’s office. He stated that the timing of his move was specifically intended to avoid “any perception of a conflict” between his commission duties and his new role at City Hall. A spokesperson for Council President Harris-Dawson’s office confirmed the matter remains with the commission, stating the office will review the recommendations upon submission to the City Council.
Proposed financial Restructuring Sparks Controversy
Schlageter recently spearheaded a proposal that would restructure the city’s financial oversight system. The plan included converting the City Administrative Officer (CAO) into a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and shifting certain financial functions from the independently elected City Controller to an executive appointed by the mayor and reporting to both the mayor and the City Council.
Under the proposal, the CAO would oversee revenue collection, payroll, and accounting, while the City controller would retain audit and oversight responsibilities. However, the idea quickly drew fire from City controller Kenneth mejia, who warned that the changes could weaken independent oversight and concentrate financial authority within a mayor-appointed office.
“The idea that accounting is just ‘routine financial functions including processing payroll, accounting, and vendor payments’ and not about oversight is misguided,” mejia wrote in a letter to the commission. “These functions are the first line of defense in safeguarding the City’s tax dollars and providing financial openness and accountability.”
Mejia further argued that transferring core accounting functions would undermine transparency and public access to the city’s financial records,potentially eliminating nearly 90% of the Controller’s office. Public opposition to the proposal grew after mejia urged residents to voice their concerns.
Commission Continues Debate, Faces Vacancy
At a January 10 meeting of the Charter Reform Commission’s Planning and Infrastructure Committee, attendees expressed concerns about elected officials overseeing both budget creation and financial accounting. Schlageter defended his proposal, arguing that separating financial operations from audit oversight would strengthen the Controller’s watchdog role. The committee ultimately decided to continue exploring the concept of a City Chief Financial Officer, deferring decisions about the role’s structure and appointment process to future meetings.
Despite Schlageter’s departure, Commission Chair Raymond Meza stated the vacancy does not impact the commission’s ability to conduct business.the seat will be filled through an appointment by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, the current Council president pro tempore.
Broader Tensions with City Controller
The debate over financial oversight occurs against a backdrop of broader tensions between City Hall and the independently elected City Controller. Previously, Mayor Karen Bass declined to allow Mejia to conduct a performance audit of Inside Safe, her signature homelessness initiative. This led to an independent audit ordered by U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, which revealed significant gaps in financial tracking and oversight within the program.
The Charter Reform Commission, created in 2024 in response to a series of City Hall scandals, is tasked with reviewing Los Angeles’ governing document – often referred to as the city’s constitution. Its recommendations, which could reshape the balance of power at City Hall, could be presented to voters as early as November. The commission currently consists of 12 members, with the process for filling the vacant seat now underway.
