A veteran Los Angeles County deputy district attorney was confirmed to the Los Angeles city Ethics Commission Friday.
The City Council approved Council President Herb Wesson’s appointment of Melinda Murray to the five-member panel, which oversees policies for city elections, gifts to city officials, lobbyists and campaign contributions.
Murray served more than two decades in the district attorney’s office prosecuting sex crimes, domestic violence, elder abuse and fraud cases. She is the daughter of former California Assemblyman Willard Murray Jr., and her brother, Kevin Murray, also served in the Assembly, Wesson said.
“Not only do we have a person who is highly respected because of her work as a district attorney, we also have an individual who grew up in politics, who understands exactly what it takes to get elected. She understands people raising money,” Wesson said.
“I just believe she brings a unique perspective to this commission that I wholeheartedly recommend that we unanimously support Miss Murray,” he said.
Murray said she has worked on community issues with Wesson while he was in the Assembly.
“I’m a life-long resident of Los Angeles, and I’m thrilled to represent this city and make sure our elections system is transparent,” she said.
The members of the city Ethics Commission serve five-year terms and are appointed by the Mayor, City Council President, City Council President Pro Tem, City Attorney and Controller.
—City News Service