Garcetti appointments not so special thus far

The LA Times analyzed the appointments made so far by Mayor Eric Garcetti, in the context of his promise that "we are looking for people with new ideas, practical experience, policy expertise and, most of all, a true commitment to public service." What has actually happened, the Times' David Zahniser found, is this:

Of the 84 people chosen by Garcetti to serve on city and county boards and commissions, at least three-fourths are friends, former staffers, campaign backers or relatives of campaign backers.

More than two-thirds helped with Garcetti's mayoral bid, providing campaign donations, co-hosting fundraisers, giving high-profile endorsements or lending other forms of support. Half donated money directly to his campaign.

Garcetti's appointments follow a well-worn practice of Los Angeles mayors, including the man he replaced, Antonio Villaraigosa.

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Garcetti said in an interview that he is "unquestionably" seeking the best people for commission seats, most of which are volunteer positions. The mayor said he wants commissioners who support his agenda, so it shouldn't be a surprise to find that many favored him as a candidate.

"Are there plenty of people who supported me, who are going to be in important positions on my staff and on commissions? Absolutely, because they're attracted to the leadership and the values and the goals I've put out there," he said. "That's the natural progression of how politics works."

More than 200 commission slots remain to be filled, the story says.