Measure A

FIRE DEPARTMENT INDEPENDENT ASSESSOR

WHAT DOES IT DO? Measure A aims to establish an independent person (‘assessor’) to review the Fire Department’s activities, including complaints against civilian employees and how they are handled. This person will be appointed by the Board of Fire Commissioners, who also would have the power to remove the assessor.

WOULD THIS PERSON BE A FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE? The assessor would be exempt from the civil service provisions of the Fire Department. They would report to the Fire Commission, but would not technically be a member of the Fire Department, which is why they would be considered “independent.”

WHAT WOULD THEIR JOB BE? The assessor’s job would be to “audit, assess, and review” several aspects of the Board, including how the Board of Fire Commissioners have handled complaints, including misconduct related to civilian employees and firefighters.

WHERE WOULD THEIR SALARY COME FROM? The text of the measure does not include where the assessor’s salary, if any, would come from.

WHAT DOES MY VOTE MEAN? A Yes vote on Measure A will give the Board the power to hire this independent assessor to review complaints. A No vote on Measure A means no one will be hired to independently review certain actions of the Board.

WHAT DOES THE LA TIMES THINK? The Times editorial board urges a Yes vote on Measure A.