Q: As chair, can you describe the LACPAC structure?
We have recently updated our by-laws to define the structure of our board of directors more accurately and to provide oversight of our operations by LACMA. We strive to maintain a broadly diverse board that reflects the membership of LACMA. Our board consists of 13 members voted on by the Administrative Members oversight board. The Administrative Members mirror the LACMA board of directors but are solely defined by the LACPAC by-laws to maintain a firewall between the organizations. In this way, LACMA maintains oversight of LACPAC and who becomes a member of the LACPAC Board.
Q: Is LACPAC partisan?
LACPAC is, by definition, non-partisan. We evaluate each candidate on their own merits regardless of party affiliation.
Q: Who is on the board, and what is/are the terms?
We have the standard set of officers, including a chair, vice-chair, development chair, secretary/ treasurer, MSS, RFS, and YPS members, and six at-large members. In addition, there is the Chair Emeriti, who are non-voting but are for past chairs to maintain institutional memory. Terms are for two years, and each person may serve up to 6 terms.
Simply ask! We are currently forming our slate for presentation to the June 2023 Administrative Members meeting for approval. We seek motivated individuals who enjoy advocacy and politics. Previous experience is not required but is helpful, as are having relationships with current legislators or promising candidates.
I returned to Los Angeles 6 years ago to take a position with the LA County Department of Mental Health. I have been involved in politics since I was a resident at the old LA County Medical Center (and am currently participating in several PACs, including CALPAC. I attended an in-person meeting of LACPAC in 2018 and was warmly welcomed. The past Chair, Dr. Thomas Horowitz, has an incredible amount of experience and personal connections to legislators in the area. LACPAC was tasked by the LACMA board to modernize our practices, and I was offered the opportunity to make this happen with Dr. Horowitz, and I eagerly jumped at the chance.
From our by-laws: "The purpose of LACPAC is to support and encourage the election of California state and local candidates and ballot measures affecting physicians and other residents of Los Angeles County. “ We seek to support those seeking legislative office, both state and local, who support the mission of LACMA: Promotion of public health, support for the practice of medicine, and advocacy for our patients.
When I became Chair of LACPAC, I had five main goals: 1) Increase the diversity of the LACPAC Board, 2) Update the by-laws and clearly define who are the members of the LACPAC board, 3) Provide a mechanism for the LACMA board to have oversight of LACPAC, 4) Increase the yearly budget from our current level of $35K to about $100K, and 5) Once LACPAC is on a solid path forward, retire to Shady Pines and allow our younger members to take over. So far, we have accomplished goals 1 through 3. We are working on number 4, and number 5 is on the horizon.
Q: What role does LACPAC play in the political landscape?
LACPAC supports state and local candidates who share LACMA's philosophy and vision of the future of healthcare and medical practice.
Individuals can support LACPAC's mission and goals by donating to our PAC or participating in our advocacy efforts.
As the legislative environment changes, our priorities also must adapt. More broadly we support the improvement of public health and advocate for good health policy. In addition, we are strong supporters of tort reform/ MICRA and do not support efforts of expansion of scope practices.
Q: What is the process for endorsing and supporting candidates?
LACPAC never endorses candidates. That is the purview of LACMA, and they have procedures in place for when and how to endorse a candidate. LACPAC will, however, make recommendations to the LACMA BOD regarding endorsements.
Q: Are candidates typically state representatives? Are there city council, county supervisor, school board, congressional candidates LACPAC would support? What is policy relative to level of support?
Every PAC must be registered with the FPPC. As such, we are not allowed to support those running for Federal office: only local and state. In practice, this means those running for the state California Assembly, and Senate with districts in LA county along with the Board of Supervisors. We generally stay out of other local races such as city councils, school boards etc. unless there is a compelling reason for us to do so, which rarely happens. The recent Mayoral race and our support for Ms. K Bass is a notable exception.
The level of support is more variable. It will be based on how much we value the relationship. For example, does the individual sit on an important committee such as Health or Business and Professions? Are they the Chair of a committee? Every recommendation for support must be voted on and approved by the LACPAC Board. Our Director of Government Affairs, Henry Rogers, is the lead in identifying people we should support.
Q: What are any new initiatives you’re leading to motivate members to donate?
We do not have any specific initiative that we are looking at in general but do pay attention to prior authorization reform and scope of practice issues. We can never predict what is going to become a major focus of attention. Therefore, it behooves us to be proactive and to elect legislators who believe in our mission and will support our strategic goals. Ongoing support from our members is critical for us to achieve our advocacy goals. If members wait until an issue, they care about arises, it is often too late to make any meaningful impact in the voting of the legislature.
Q: What is the process for members donating?
There are several ways to donate. Perhaps the simplest would be the yearly dues statement. Second would be for them to visit our webpage at https://www.ladocs.org/get-involved/lacpac.aspx and donate there. We are hoping to have a “set it and forget it” option in the future where an individual may make monthly donations automatically.
Q: How much are you trying to raise via this current campaign drive?
Our annual budget, that comes from an allocation of LACMA dues, is roughly $35,000. Our goal is to at least raise this to $60,000. Ultimately, it would be ideal if we could reach an annual budget of $100,000.
