Council Meetings in the Valley
In a long overdue overature to the citizens north of Mulholland, the council is proceeding forward with plans to hold council meetings in Van Nuys.From the Daily News:
The City Council would hold its meetings in the San Fernando Valley every two weeks under a plan considered Wednesday by a council panel.
Still, the Rules and Elections Committee said logistical and financial hurdles remain and asked city staffers to draw up a more detailed analysis of what would be involved - including costs - in holding regular meetings at Van Nuys City Hall.
"I think we all agree with it in spirit," said Council President Alex Padilla, who represents the Northeast Valley and chairs the Rules Committee.
Councilman Greig Smith, who represents the Northwest Valley, introduced the plan last year.
"Holding a council meeting in the San Fernando Valley would bring the city government closer to its residents and make it easier for them to participate firsthand in the process that legislates for them, that which they support with their tax dollars," reads Smith's resolution.
While the council Legislative Analyst's Office said the Van Nuys City Hall's council chamber could be used to host regular meetings, it also warned of problems.
Day meetings might make it difficult for council members to reach other committee meetings downtown, while night meetings would incur overtime costs for city employees.
Posted by Anonymous @ 9/15/2005 07:05:00 AM
11 Comments:
Isn't the council chambers in the newly renovated Van Nuys City Hall larger than the chambers in Downtown?
Sure parking is as a worse a nightmare in the area, but doesn't a Valley portion of Los Angeles constituting over 1.3 million residents deserve its "fair share" of council meetings.
By the way, we're still waiting for our fair share of everything else, but we've learned the art of patience and complaining.
This is an excellent idea and our Valley reps should be fighting for this as a unified front.
It would also be a good move to have some meetings in the Harbor Area as well.
There may be some increased up front costs (i.e. buying some technology for Van Nuys City Hall if its not there for Ch 35, Council Phone, etc.)
In the long run, there wouldn't be that much in the way of costs, other mileage and maybe some overtime.
Its a worthwhile investment.
btpkVillaraigosa himself has long downplayed ties to specific ethnic communities, billing himself as a mayor for all people. But many can't help whisper that his presence is a symbolic triumph for Latinos.
Symoblic is right because there is no substsance here.
The posts that were deleted were about the hurricane and not this topic. Off topic posts make it difficult for readers to read and comment on the topic at hand.
Take those other topics to open thread and post to your heart's delight.
Mayor Sam
There was a special council meeting a year ago in El Sereno, near the Korean church on Eastern. I too think this is a good way for the council to get out to other parts of the city which they collectively represent. Maybe then they would notice the grafitti and the overflowing trash, the growing homeless population, illegal sidewalk vendors, potholes, and all those damn "Tatoo Convention" "Bridal Expo" signs which they do nothing about. But there too busy wooing the NFL or some big dollar "Times Square" projects or "Day Labor Lounges" for there big dollar campaign donors......
Maybe the California State Legislature should have some meetings down here? Get those tree hugging, mascot hating, special interest butt kissers down south here to see how life for the common man isn't a glass of "merlot" overlooking Big Sur...
The council isn't going any where, do you really think they will move from the safety and comfort of their city hall gigs. Their all premadonnas and want people to come to them. They forget about term limits and they'll be out soon. After council, they'll be no bodies.
When City Hall was built DECADES ago, it was located where the population was greatest. Since then, the City has grown by millions in parts that were once orchards and open fields.
Now some want to pretend that the SFV has always been intentionally neglected. Those 1.3 million residents apparently didn't mind moving to their neighborhoods in light of where city hall has been located all these many years.
I do want to know how much extra it will cost taxpayers, especially since we're facing a budget deficit and need police like we need air.
Moving a few council meetings to the San Fernando Valley is a good idea. Maybe then, El Bendido CM Padilla and his reps will start cleaning up thier act. Wait a minute, prabably not.
-B.J.
1.3 million residents and a newly refurbished city hall. What more do we need to do to make sure the City Council meets in the Valley? The costs are important, but access is more important. Of course, I am thinking about the cost of gas as opposed to the cost of bringing out technical equipment.
Great now the SFV can see how useless & arrogant the council is in person.
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