WEISS FIRES OFF LETTER TO MAYOR.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Comparing the ``pay-to-play'' investigations at City Hall to the scandals of Enron and other corporations, City Councilman Jack Weiss called Friday on Mayor James Hahn to deal more aggressively with the accusations against his administration - prompting a sharp rebuke from the mayor.

Weiss, a former federal prosecutor, wrote a three-page letter telling Hahn he should issue an executive directive recognizing the seriousness of the inquiry and requiring employees to cooperate with county and federal investigators.

``America has recently witnessed an unprecedented level of wrongdoing in the area of corporate governance,'' Weiss wrote. ``Scandals such as Enron, WorldCom and Adelphia spiraled out of control, in part, because corporate leaders failed to play it straight.

``The developing criminal investigations likewise have the potential to shake public faith in local government.''

Hahn fired back a letter to Weiss, saying he already has instructed city employees to cooperate with investigators and insisting he will not ``tolerate unethical behavior in my office or by any city employee.''

Hahn also indicated his frustration at criticism aimed at his five-point plan for campaign-finance reform.

``I have no sympathy for critics who complain that these reforms would make it too difficult for politicians to raise campaign funds,'' Hahn said. ``No Los Angeles resident has ever told me they think there is too little money in politics.''

Weiss' letter comes a day after the U.S. Attorney's Office notified city officials to preserve all e-mails sent to or received by the Mayor's Office.

Federal and county grand juries are conducting separate investigations into contracting procedures at the city's three proprietary departments - Airports, Harbor, and Water and Power.

The inquiries were prompted by an audit from Controller Laura Chick that questioned whether city commissioners or others sought political contributions in exchange for preferential treatment in the awarding of city contracts.

Weiss said the federal directive helped solidify his concerns about issues of public trust, prompting him to write the letter to Hahn.

``I don't think it's good enough for the mayor to be reactive,'' Weiss' letter said. ``In my view, it is imperative for you to demonstrate that your administration has the same reverence for honest and fair governance.''

Weiss also said the mayor should encourage workers to have full voluntary disclosure, assist investigators in setting up interviews or reviewing information and allow the full investigation of public records.

Weiss acknowledged that he has no information that the mayor or anyone in his office has not cooperated with investigators.

``I do believe, however, that your administration has an obligation to the public to be more than merely reactive and responsive in these matters.

``These criminal investigations go to the essence of clean and honest government and you have an affirmative obligation to assist the criminal investigators and the public in learning the complete truth.''

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com