L.A. Ethics Panel’s Winning Formula : Ben Bycel is a key to a vital effort--and that’s something even his critics should remember

When Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan named UCLA law lecturer Raquelle de la Rocha president of the city Ethics Commission last July, it was understood there would be some changes. After all, De la Rocha was the new boss, and as the new boss she rightly would be reviewing everything from policy to personnel.

That said, however, the rift that has developed over the status of the panel’s executive director, Ben Bycel, indicates that a lighter hand by De la Rocha and other commission members might have been better. A winning formula seldom should be tampered with, and, like it or not, Bycel is part of that formula.

Though outspoken and at times overly aggressive, Bycel has made an important contribution to political reform here in Los Angeles. Under his tenure, the commission staff has worked rigorously to enforce the toughest local ethics laws in the nation, including a gift ban and restrictions on lobbyists.

Naturally, those efforts haven’t won him any popularity contests in city government. Nor should they. The commission was created by voters five years ago not to make friends but rather to be an aggressive and independent force working to restore political integrity to government.

Riordan Administration officials say the mayor fully recognizes the need for an independent Ethics Commission and that his choice of De la Rocha, a respected lawyer who once served on the state Fair Political Practices Commission, is evidence of that. However, it’s also no secret that the mayor has echoed the sentiments of FPPC officials who last year heavily criticized Bycel for his brusque manner as well as for leaks they charge he made to the press (a charge he denies) after a joint investigation into money laundering by Evergreen America Corp., a shipping company with connections to Art Snyder, uber lobbyist and former City Council member. Evergreen was fined a record $895,000 for funneling $172,000 in campaign contributions through other parties.

Although the mayor’s office denies it, some political insiders insist that the Riordan Administration is putting pressure on its appointees to send Bycel packing. Bycel has supporters on the City Council, but he must not cultivate political alliances at the expense of his independence as a commission leader.

Bycel has been an effective administrator and a credit to government. Before commissioners make moves against him they ought to take the time to weigh his personality against his achievements.