Los Angeles County CEO Receives $2-Million Settlement Due to Measure G Fallout
Fesia Davenport, the chief executive officer of Los Angeles County, has received a $2-million settlement as a result of the professional consequences stemming from Measure G, a voter-approved ballot measure that will render her position obsolete. According to a letter written by Davenport to the county’s top lawyer, the settlement is intended to compensate her for “reputational harm, embarrassment, and physical, emotional and mental distress” caused by the measure.
Measure G, which was approved by voters in November of last year, will introduce significant changes to the county’s government structure. The measure will make the county chief executive an elected position, rather than an appointed one, and will increase the number of supervisors to nine. The elected county executive is expected to be in place by 2028, effectively making Davenport’s current position obsolete.
Impact on Davenport’s Career and Well-being
Davenport expressed the significant impact that Measure G has had on her professional reputation, health, career, income, and retirement plans. In a letter to county counsel Dawyn Harrison, she stated that the measure has “irrevocably changed my life, my professional career, economic outlook, and plans for the future.” The settlement, which was finalized in mid-August, prohibits Davenport from suing the county, including for any claims related to the enactment of Measure G.
Davenport, who has been a longtime county employee and was appointed chief executive in 2021, began a medical leave last week and expects to return early next year. The settlement amount is notable, especially when compared to the severance payments received by other department heads. For instance, the prior chief executive officer, Sachi Hamai, received $1.5 million, while former county attorneys Mary Wickham and Rodrigo Castro-Silva received $449,000 and $213,000, respectively.
Background and Controversy Surrounding Measure G
Measure G was first announced by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn in July 2024, with the aim of overhauling the county’s bureaucracy. The measure has been a subject of controversy, with supporters arguing that making the chief executive an elected position will bring more accountability, while opponents warn that it will consolidate too much power with one person and introduce politics into a bureaucratic position.
Davenport had previously expressed her concerns about the measure, stating that it had impugned her professional reputation and would end her career earlier than expected. The controversy surrounding Measure G highlights the complexities and challenges of implementing significant changes to government structures and the potential consequences for those in leadership positions.
For more information on this topic, please visit Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
