DWP Scandals focus attention on Mayor's Race in Los Angeles

Although the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has proved generally less expensive and pore reliable in delivering electricity than the State's investor-owned utilities, according to LA Times Columnist Steve Lopez, its mismanagement of funds is drawing the ire of voters, and making them focus on the race for Mayor in that town.

But I'm always stunned by my DWP bill, if not by the handy tips stuffed inside.

"Conserving water saves you money and helps preserve our natural resources," the DWP informed me while asking for $370.66.

You're kidding. Conserving water saves me money and preserves resources?

"Use a bucket of soapy water to wash your car," the text continued. "Use the hose only for the final rinse."

Hey, there's a breakthrough idea.

And here's another:

"Use a broom instead of a hose to sweep up dirt and leaves from the sidewalk."

I don't know what genius at DWP came up with these tips. My guess, after the news of the last year on how things work in local government, is that a team of 30 in-house geniuses got together and brainstormed but came up dry.

So I'm guessing the DWP spent millions of dollars hiring people to come up with the car wash and broom insights.

That's the way it worked when the water agency hosed away $3 million a year on a politically connected PR firm that allegedly padded its bills, charging the city up to $315 an hour for jobs like pumping up Mayor Jim Hahn's image. Meanwhile, the DWP was pushing for a rate hike.

Thankfully, there's a silver lining to this kind of monkey business. There's been so much of it at City Hall, some Angelenos appear to be bucking tradition and — brace yourselves, Los Angeles — paying attention. A Times poll found that fewer than half of likely voters think Mayor Jim Hahn has honesty and integrity, and 34% came right out and said they believe he's dishonest.