Anaheim’s New Chief Ethics Officer: A Step Toward Transparency
In the wake of an ongoing FBI political corruption investigation, Anaheim is making proactive strides to restore public trust. The probe, which halted the sale of Angel Stadium and led to the conviction of a former mayor, has spurred the city to take significant steps toward ethical governance. Enter Artin Berjikly, the newly appointed chief ethics officer, who aims to navigate and enhance the city’s ethical landscape.
Introducing a New Leadership Role
Artin Berjikly is not just a name; he represents a renewed commitment to ethical practices within the Anaheim government. Prior to his appointment, Berjikly served as senior commission counsel for the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). His experience includes being legal counsel and a senior investigator for the Los Angeles Ethics Commission, equipped with a wealth of knowledge in ethics and governance.
During a brief introduction at a recent Anaheim City Council meeting, Berjikly expressed enthusiasm for his new role. “I look forward to building on the good governance reforms that this council has put in place,” he stated. His responsibilities will include providing legal counsel and guidance to city officials on ethical practices and potential conflicts of interest.
An In-House Appointment
Interestingly, Berjikly’s introduction did not appear on the meeting agenda, leading to some procedural questions. The city’s open meeting laws typically restrict council members from engaging in discussions on non-agenda items. Yet, City Manager Jim Vanderpool explained that it was customary for updates like this to be announced alongside regular business. Council members had met with Berjikly individually prior to his public introduction, seemingly ensuring that everyone was on the same page.
Reforming the Ethics Framework
The backdrop of Berjikly’s appointment is laden with the fallout from the FBI probe, which has put immense pressure on the Anaheim City Council to enhance transparency. A slew of governance reforms have been implemented since the scandal came to light in May 2022. For instance, council members are now mandated to use city-issued phones for any communications related to city business, a shift aimed at curbing the use of private devices for potentially dubious discussions.
Additional reforms include the public posting of meeting calendars by council members, fostering an environment of openness. Perhaps most notably, the definition of lobbyists has been broadened, prompting even Disney employees to register as lobbyists as a result of the new regulations.
Responding to Findings
A pivotal moment came when a city-commissioned corruption report by the JL Group surfaced, recommending the hiring of an ethics officer. This report underscored the urgency for better oversight of political contributions, lobbying activities, and other ethically sensitive areas. The council acted on this recommendation in January, paving the way for Berjikly’s role.
With a salary of $228,000 annually, Berjikly acknowledged the importance of his position within the city’s governance framework, particularly regarding the lobbyist registry and compliance reports.
Establishing Ground Rules
At the end of the council meeting where he was introduced, Mayor Ashleigh Aitken sought clarity on how council members should interact with Berjikly. Aitken remarked, “Hopefully, issues will not arise, but in the case that they do, we want a proper protocol for how we should be interacting with our ethics officer going forward.” This proactive approach highlights the council’s intent to foster a cooperative and transparent environment.
Moreover, Aitken also requested a review of the city’s conflict of interest policies, reflecting a commitment to uphold ethical standards amidst past controversies.
A Vision for Ethics Oversight
Berjikly is entering his role with a clear vision: to continue oversight, guidance, and review of the city’s existing ethics procedures. “If the city were in a different place, as it was several years ago, my role could be different,” he remarked. He stands ready to take on a stronger enforcement role if necessary, indicating a readiness to adapt to the evolving needs of the city.
As Anaheim navigates through this period of reform and scrutiny, the introduction of a chief ethics officer serves as a critical landmark in the city’s journey toward accountability and transparency. With Artin Berjikly at the helm, there is cautious optimism that Anaheim will emerge stronger and more ethically sound in the years to come.
