Los Angeles Times columnist, Steve Lopez, wrote a column about how the City Council of Los Angeles was increasing the value of the gifts its members could receive from lobbyists: " And with the holiday shopping season about to get under way, the council lifted the limit on gifts from $100 to $150."
Long Beach should be proud that its City Council cannot receive gifts of any value from lobbyists. Nada...nothing, zero.
This was my legislation which I had been advocating for several years. Didn't make sense to me why elected officials should accept anything from anyone wanting to do business with the City. (In fact, I had a policy in my office from the start -- No Gifts Period.
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One of my colleagues complained that he should be able to get a Christmas gift. I pointed out that these people weren't our friends and that the gifts would stop once the council member left council.
I would like to see the ban on gifts to elected officials expanded to include contractors or anyone seeking a license or permit from the City.
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Hey, I know the economy is tough. But City Councilmembers in Los Angeles make $180,000 a year. Long Beach councilmembers make $16.90 an hour or @ $31,000 a year. They need to give up the gifts. Their voters will appreciate it.
