The Los Angeles City Council on Oct. 14 approved legislation co-introduced by Councilman David Ryu, 4th District, to raise the recusal requirement standard for City Council members. The motion instructs the Ethics Commission to consider the standards that other agencies apply to determine when council members must recuse themselves from official acts and highlights the recusal model used by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Adopting a recusal model similar to the one used at Metro would allow the city to quickly and effectively expand the universe of conflicts that require recusals by city officials.

“Public trust in local government is crucial, and once it’s lost, it is not easily regained. This legislation works to push our city towards the level of transparency and accountability that Angelenos expect and deserve,” Ryu said. “Today’s vote is another step towards rebuilding trust with the public, but it cannot be the last. We need a robust and fully publicly financed election system to root out corruption once and for all.”

Since entering office, Ryu has successfully fought for a comprehensive ban on developer donations, which was passed into law last year. Earlier this year, Ryu introduced a package of anti-corruption legislation, including a motion seeking to establish an Inspector General’s Office, which was approved by the City Council in August.

The legislation passed on Oct. 14 was co-introduced by Councilmen Paul Krekorian and Mike Bonin, and Council President Nury Martinez.