Aura Vasquez - LA City Council District 10
BACKGROUND & PERSPECTIVE
1. Experience: Please explain your past work on addressing corruption and advancing a more representative government.
Answer:
I'm proud of my past work in addressing corruption and advocating for a more representative government. One significant aspect of my commitment to transparency and accountability is my role as an advisor to the Democracy Vouchers program in Los Angeles. This initiative empowers residents by allowing them to use democracy dollars to support the candidates of their choice, reducing the influence of special interests in our elections.
During my tenure as commissioner at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), I took concrete steps to make both my position and the department more accessible, accountable, and transparent to ratepayers. I was the first commissioner hosting office hours allowing me to directly engage with the community, address concerns, and foster a more open dialogue about the department's operations.
Recognizing the importance of fair representation, I have been a strong advocate for enlarging the city council to ensure a more diverse and inclusive representation of our community. I have also championed an independent redistricting process and commissioners, aiming to eliminate gerrymandering and ensure that electoral boundaries are drawn fairly.
Furthermore, I have been vocal in my support for the adoption of a public advocate for the city of Los Angeles. This position would serve as a watchdog, representing the interests of the public and holding the government accountable for its actions.
My past work reflects a commitment to combating corruption, enhancing transparency, and promoting a government that truly represents the people. I believe in the principles of openness and accountability, and as a candidate for city council, I will continue to advocate for these values to create much needed change and fairness for our community.
2. Priorities: Councilmembers have many issues on their plate, and limited political capital. List your top three policy priorities for addressing corruption or advancing government reform that you intend to lead on?
Answer:
These three policy priorities are integral to my vision for a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive local government. By addressing corruption and advancing government reform in these key areas, I believe we can build a stronger foundation for a thriving and equitable Los Angeles.
1. Enlarging the City Council:
One of my top priorities is to push for the enlargement of the city council. By expanding the number of council members, we can enhance representation and ensure that the diverse voices and needs of our community are adequately heard. This move aims to foster a more inclusive and responsive local government that better serves the interests of residents in my district.
2. Independent Redistricting Process:
I am committed to establishing an independent redistricting process to eliminate gerrymandering and promote fairness in our electoral system. By ensuring that electoral boundaries are drawn impartially, we can enhance the integrity of our elections and prevent manipulation that could undermine the democratic process. This initiative reflects my dedication to creating a political landscape where every vote counts and where the public has confidence in the electoral system.
3. Democracy Vouchers to Get Money Out of Politics:
I will lead efforts to pass and expand the Democracy Vouchers program. By reducing the influence of big money in politics, we can create a more level playing field for grassroots candidates and ensure that elected officials are accountable to the public rather than special interests. This initiative aligns with my commitment to promoting a transparent and accountable government that truly represents the will of the people.
3. Fundraising: City candidates are prohibited from accepting direct contributions from citylobbyists, restricted developers, and certain contractors/contract applicants. Beyond the restrictions covered by city law, are there any industries or interest groups from which you are declining contributions? Any additional efforts you are making to run a “clean money” campaign?
Answer: I am committed to running a clean money campaign, and I want to be transparent about the contributions I accept. Here are the specific steps I've taken:
1. No Contributions from Developers:
I've made the decision not to accept contributions from developers. This choice is rooted in my commitment to maintaining independence from those who may have a vested interest in raising rent princess and obstrude the political process in Los Angeles. As a renter, my commitment to renter justice is specially important.
2. No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge:
I've taken the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, demonstrating my dedication to not accepting contributions from the fossil fuel industry. This aligns with my commitment to environmental justice and reducing the influence of industries that pollutes our environment and our political process.
3. No Contributions from Law Enforcement:
I've chosen not to accept contributions from law enforcement. This decision reflects my commitment to unbiased representation and ensures that I am not financially beholden to the a department that takes more than half of our funding and doesnt keep our communities safe.
4. Recipient of City Matching Funds:
I am proud to be a recipient of city matching funds, emphasizing my grassroots funding approach with small-dollar contributions from my community members. By actively declining contributions from developers, taking the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, abstaining. from contributions from law enforcement, and relying on city matching funds and small-dollar donations, I. am demonstrating my commitment to running a clean money campaign and prioritizing the interests and voices of our community over special interests.
OPEN POLICY QUESTIONS
4. Council Size: What is your perspective on potentially expanding the membership of the LA City Council? What Council size will you advocate for? (If you do not have a specific number in mind, you are welcome to provide a range. You are also welcome to suggest ideas other than single member Council districts, like multi-member districts or having a combination of district & regional representation on the Council)
Answer:
I strongly believe in expanding the LA City Council to better serve the diverse needs of our community.
Currently, I advocate for doubling the size of the council from 15 to 30 members. This expansion is crucial to ensure that every neighborhood, like Koreatown, has dedicated representation, and residents can access improved services.
By increasing the number of council members, we can create a more diverse, responsive and inclusive local government. I often point to cities like New York City, which has 51 council members despite being similar in size to Los Angeles. This model has proven effective in providing more localized representation and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities present in different neighborhoods. Ultimately, my goal is to enhance democracy at the local level, giving residents a stronger voice in the decision-making process and ensuring that their concerns are adequately addressed. Expanding the City Council is a strategic step toward building a more responsive and representative government for the benefit of all Angelenos.
5. Public Financing: Five years ago the City of LA expanded its public matching funds program. City Council will soon receive a report on a number of options for overhauling our public financing system. What is your vision for the future of public financing of elections in the City of LA? (Please specify if you would like to build upon the current program, move in a different direction with democracy vouchers, or utilize one of the hybrid approaches detailed in the motion to achieve full public financing).
Answer:
My vision for the future of public financing of elections in the City of LA centers on creating a more inclusive and representative political landscape. As an advisor to Democracy Vouchers LA, I am a strong advocate for the use of democracy vouchers to diversify the donor pool and foster more equitable participation in our city's political process.
Democracy vouchers present an opportunity for all residents, regardless of their income, to actively engage in shaping our city's future. In this system, every voting-age adult would receive a set number of vouchers to donate to their chosen candidates. These candidates could then redeem the vouchers with the city for campaign funds. This approach not only encourages broader civic participation but also promotes more representative decision-making.
In addition to championing democracy vouchers, I believe in strengthening the City's matching fund program. By matching contributions up to $129 at a six-to-one ratio, we can amplify the impact of grassroots donations. To further enhance this program, it's crucial to streamline the process for candidates to access matching funds, ensuring efficiency and timeliness in supporting their campaigns.
To curb the influence of money in politics, we must work diligently to make local races more accessible to grassroots candidates. This includes not only supporting the use of democracy vouchers and expanding the matching fund program but also ensuring that funds are readily available for community members who aspire to serve their city by running for office. By creating a more level playing field, we can strengthen our democracy and foster a government that truly represents the diverse voices of our community.
As a councilwoman, I’m planning to support the creation of a “political contribution refund” every individual can give a dollar amount of their choosing and get a refund from the city as a form of tax credit Minnesota has this type of program and it has been extremely helpful to grassroots candidates.
6. Council Rules & Voting: Council Rules permit a member to be counted as present, even while off the council floor. In fact, so long as the audio of the meeting is running, a member may meet privately with lobbyists in rooms behind council chambers during a meeting. Unless a member is at their desk and presses a button, they are automatically registered as an affirmative vote on items being considered. What are your thoughts on these Council Rules? What do you think is the right approach?
Answer:
I find the current Council Rules, which permit a member to be counted as present even when off the council floor and allow potential private meetings with lobbyists during a session, concerning. Such practices can undermine the transparency and accountability that are essential to a functioning democratic process.
In my view, it is crucial that council members are physically present and actively participating in meetings to be counted in votes. If a member is not at their desk and actively engaged, their vote should be marked as absent. This ensures that the decision-making process accurately reflects the input of those who are actively contributing to the discussions and decisions being made.
Moreover, to promote accessibility and public engagement, I strongly advocate for making council meetings available remotely. This could include live-streaming sessions, allowing people to participate virtually, and scheduling meetings during evenings and weekends to accommodate a broader range of community members. By adopting such measures, we can encourage greater civic participation and make local government more accessible to all residents.
Transparency, accountability, and inclusivity are vital pillars of a healthy democracy, and the rules governing council proceedings should reflect these values. I believe in adopting measures that strengthen public trust in the democratic process and ensure that decisions are made with the active and visible participation of elected officials.
“YES / NO / DEPENDS” POLICY QUESTIONS
(If you would like to provide additional context you are welcome to provide a max of 1 sentence w/ more info on your answer)
7. Charter Commission Powers: The City Council is currently considering the potential creation of a charter commission to undertake the first comprehensive review of our charter in nearly a quarter century. The proposal recently floated at committee would not grant any authority to this commission, and it would merely be advisory. Some cities, like Portland, give their charter review commission the power, if necessary, to place a measure on the ballot if it secures the support of 15 out of 20 commissioners. In the 90s, Council was forced to negotiate with the
unified charter commission in good faith because the elected commission retained the power to put a measure on the ballot.
Would you support giving the charter commission the power to place a measure on the ballot, if necessary, so long as it receives the support of 75% of the commission?
● Yes/No/Depends: YES
● Additional context:
8. 2024 Charter Ethics Reform: The City Council has had varying levels of discussions about enhancing the independence and authority of the City Ethics Commission. It is currently unclear if council will be undertaking the work necessary to refine those proposals and place them on the November 2024 ballot, or if these proposals will be sent to the previously mentioned charter commission for further consideration and placement on the 2026 ballot.
Do you believe these Charter Ethics Reforms should be on the November 2024 Ballot?
● Yes/No/Depends: YES
● Additional context:
9. Ballot Qualification: LA City Council candidates are required to secure at least 500 valid in-district signatures to appear on the ballot, significantly more than required by most other jurisdictions.
Would you support cutting this threshold in half to 250 valid in-district signatures?
● Yes/No/Depends: YES
● Additional context:
10. Remote Comment: When LA City Council resumed in-person committee meetings last year, they ended remote public comment at committees.
Will you advocate for the restoration of remote public comment at committees?
● Yes/No/Depends: YES
● Additional context: