ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE!!! TEN CANDIDATES COMMITTED TO THAT CHANGE!
Currently, there are 90 Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles. The Great Griffith Park Neighborhood Council (GGPNC) was officially certified by the City of Los Angeles in June 2002 to represent the areas of Los Feliz, Griffith Park, Franklin Hills, and portions of East Hollywood & Silverlake. This Council has a strong influence over planning issues that directly affect our homes, our favorite restaurants, our streets, our schools, our parks, and nearly every facet of the quality of life in Los Feliz.
Most city councils have a small number of officials who are appointed (Los Angeles city has 4.5% ) and the remaining is elected. Here, with the GGPNC, the numbers are actually quite different, 45% are appointed. That is not a typo you just read, it is an accurate number, 45% of the board is appointed and only the remaining 55% of the members are elected. The problem with this is that the members do not represent an accurate portrait of the community. Most of the members do not have school age children, and thus may not have strong interests in bettering community schools. They are not ethnically diverse to represent the many ethnicities who work, live, eat, and play in the Los Feliz community. The appointed members have been focused on constancy. They are not open to change, as a matter of fact they hope things remain as they have always been…in their favor. What may have worked for the area years ago, is not necessarily what is best for our community now. As the times change, our board members must reflect the times and people of the area. We were surprised to find out that board members do NOT even have to live in the area. Really? ??How would they empathize about problems RESIDENTS living here may face or the joy and pride each resident feels to say they LIVE in Los FELIZ!
03.19.10 | Community | Alex Golshan
