Neighborhood Councils Getting Unhappy
The Neighborhood Councils aren't too happy with things in this post-Greg Nelson era. Assembly Candidate and Neighborhood Council leader Jim Alger is calling on all NCs to boycott the upcoming Congress of Neighborhoods.I am extremely troubled by the actions of our City Leaders to attempt to put down the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Congress. Moreover I am deeply troubled by the attempt to stamp out the fire of empowerment by severely scaling back its role at this years "Congress of Neighborhoods." While most of you know that I get a good deal of credit for defeating the DWP rate hike and the subsequent MOU the truth is that I couldn't have done any of it with dedicated Neighborhood Councilmembers such as yourself. While it is true I led that effort, a leader with no followers is simply a guy going for a walk. Many Neighborhood Councilmembers have followed and are now leading as well. They are carrying that flag of self-governing forward in a group called the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Congress. The Congress represents dozens of Neighborhood Councils across this City with more signing on each day and whatever our differences may be we can, no we must draw a line in the sand. Is the City of Los Angeles serious about empowering Neighborhood Councils? Or is this carrot of self governing merely a line in a campaign speech? The Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Congress, for all of it's flaws, is a product of we the people of the City of Los Angeles and we, not the political establishment should choose its future. Therefore, as much as it pains me to say this, I am calling for the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council system as a whole and each member collectively to boycott this years congress of Neighborhoods unless and until the City of Los Angeles restores the role put in place by Greg Nelson and the Congress. We did not seek, nor did we want this battle. But it has arrived upon us nonetheless. Empowerment means empowerment and regardless of our personal differences what happens now will effect this City for decades to come. Sincerely, Jim AlgerAlger isn't the only one expressing concern about the city's sudden shift away from supporting the NCs. An article in the current edition of CityWatch LA has much more ire.
Posted by Mayor Sam @ 4/07/2006 12:10:00 AM
25 Comments:
Alger has returned to his roots to his own peril. There is no way that taking on the political establishment ie the Mayor is a good move for a political candidate. Then again, Alger often does the right thing as he puts it "regardless of the cost".
My take on this is that Alger is firing a well aimed shot across the bow of the LA Political establishment.
Many in the NC system thought that he abandoned them when he ran for office. This is his way of letting them know he is still one of them, while at the same time using whatever political clout he has to force a change in thinking. Not a bad move at all in my book. These NC's are getting pretty steamed here and if they rally behind Alger, there is going to be some serious problems for the "old guard" politicians in this town.
Order the popcorn, this one's gonna be good.
As an NC member myself I can tell you that we have just about had it with the level of disrespect we receive on a daily basis from our so-called elected leaders.
I for one plan on supporting the boycott and will be putting the item on our next agenda.
We need to send a clear message to City Hall.
I don't blame them one bit for being unhappy.
Algers' call for a boycott is long overdue. The arrogant asses at City Hall need to receive a message that the city belongs to the people.
I have received tons of e-mails voicing what Alger is saying. The NC's knew that Antonio has never supported them. Add the fact that he has his two biggest losers at the top right now Lisa "Gabbage Patch" Sarno interim general mgr. and Uylssess "dough boy" Sanchez as eastside director. The NC's have the power and I hope the unite and boycott to send the message they do have the power.
AMEN ARCHIE! NC Advocates look straight in the mirror if you want to complain about diminishing power. You voted for the guy whose taking it away.
Isn't it terrible to have to take responsibility for your actions?
That is definitely a good point, although the "Neighborhood Council Candidate" was actually Richard Alarcon. He carried their torch and they ignored him for the hype.
Still, gotta give 'em credit for standing up now, even if it is a bit late.
I agree. All you whiners who are in the NC system should have voted for Hahn. It was definitely made clear on this blog that Villaraigosa didn't like neighborhood councils.
But that silly Congress of Senators isn't good enough reason to boycott DONE's Congress.
All it's going to prove to Villaraigosa is that you're not strong enough or worthy enough to have a Congress.
Once the first Neigborhood Council was formed under the City Charter, the effort ceased to be a grass roots movement and became part of the political establishment.
Mayor's and Council Person's now and in the future will work to expand Neighborhood Councils power or reduce that power based on their own political ambitions.
Neighborhood Councils and their board members will also use Neighborhood Councils for their own political ambitions.
This Congress should reject Mr. Alger's calls to boycott the congress. Clearly he is using the Congress' frustration with the Mayor to gain increased political power. When this Congress comes together it should pass a resolution addressing its frustration with the Mayor.
A boycott will only serve to weaken the collective voice of the Neighborhood Councils when it is needed most to evaluate and perhaps fight the proposed DWP Rate hike.
If the members Boycott the Congress and lose their collective voice in the DWP fight, Who will step into the void? Why Candidate Alger of course.
There's got to be a balance. I'm not saying that that AV's folks are not pulling back the reins on the NCs, but Alger, Ken Draper of CityWatch LA and others want the NCs to be a shadow government with no real accountability, or even to follow the Brown Act requirements for open meetings.
Look at all the "delayed" NC elections going on. It makes it look like the NCs don't have their act together too well either.
NC members for Hahn... that's like, +1000 votes? OK.
11:03 am anon You need to get your facts straight. It is also clear you didn't read Alger's email.
Alger has already said that he is not prepared to act on the DWP rate action yet. He is reviewing the audit but has raised questions about the "back door tax" of raising rates to transfer it to the general fund instead of raising taxes.
If the NC's boycott the congress, and based on my calls so far that is entirely possible, it will take organization. It will take unity and that unity can easily be pivoted to a different issue.
Also let us be clear. Alger stood before BONC and called for the de-certification of a Neighborhood Council because they couldn't get their act together. The Old Northridge NC was de-certified. Let us also remember 85 of the 88 NC's are OUTSIDE OF HIS DISTRICT so keep slamming someone for standing up and doing the right thing... and he'll keep doing the right thing.
Alger will keep doing the politically correct thing for himself.
He will do whatever it takes to tie the DWP rate hike fight to his campaign. He wants to be the voice on this and I predict he will be opposed to this rate hike.
The Congress for Neighborhood Councils should recognize Alger's call for what it really is; A candidates' need for press. They should reject any attempt by Alger to take the lead on this issue with DONE and any potential fight involving the rate hike.
If Neighborhood Councils are going to harken back to their roots, they should resist Candidate Alger's effort to be their voice in this matter.
12:44 anon you are a fool.
Jim Alger lead on these issues BEFORE he ever was a candidate. He is running for office to represent the people. He isn't running for office and subjecting himself and his family to the never-ending attacks in an uphill district for his own benefit you fool.
FYI I am a NC member in South Los Angeles and I am the one who called Jim and told him we needed his leadership on these issues as we seemed to be languishing. Of course you will criticize, because that is all fools can do but Jim helping us is him going back to where he came... and not forgetting where he came from.
I certainly don't see you or anyone else stepping up to the plate to help us so shut your mouth and show some respect.
Another typical Alger supporter, resorting to insults. Truth hurts.
Everyone thought it was a joke two years ago when Alger, Jason from Silverlake, Rusty, Brady and the rest of the very ACTIVE NC reps organized to go against DWP. THEY WON. Here we go again. People will complain, whine but won't do a damn thing. Word around the city is BOYCOTT BOYCOTT BOYCOTT BOYCOTT. Show the power of the NC's by not showing up. If you don't think that will show Antonio THEIR POWER YOU ARE WRONG. It will scare the hell out of him.
If everyone boyvotts, will city council or the city stop functioning? If everyone boycotts, who wins?
*boycotts. sorry after one scotch and two glasses of win, the fingers do't work so well.
This Jim Alger person sounds like an idiot.
When just one of you "anonymous" posters does 1/2 as much for Neighborhood Councils as Alger has then maybe you can talk... until then shut up.
You don't like his candidacy fine, but this is much bigger and if you don't see that, your part of the problem.
Not showing up to the Congress doesn't mean neighborhood councils stop existing. It means that they have the power to organize and get their message across. The message being that Antonio and his people can't DICTATE to them what or how to do it. Funny how ever since Antonio got into office so many things in this city are out of control, the unions, skid row, DWP, harbor, racial tensions in schools, etc. etc.
Did anyone really believe Mayor Tony V and his drones would work with the NCs? This is the same guy who wasn't going to run for the Mayoral position and just serve his constituents after losing to Hahn in Round One. And do you really believe he's going to stick around LA for another Mayoral campaign? This guy is a hit and run artist who's only agenda is maintaining a power base as a stepping stone to national office.
No he's like Steve Lopez said in LA Times, "a man who leaves when the sun starts to rise." Just like one of those loser one night stand type of men with no conscience, no morals, no integrity.
No he's like Steve Lopez said in LA Times, "a man who leaves when the sun starts to rise." Just like one of those loser one night stand type of men with no conscience, no morals, no integrity.
You know Steve LOpez is just basing his opinion on his own assumptions based on his own character.
Ask the homeless who will never see any money from the book deal he has made with Putnam. He says he loves you and then when he leaves in the morning , you never see him again.
I other words in Steve's case it takes one to know one
Sounds like AV and Alger have something in common. AV will maintain his power base in the City long enough to run for a national office; Alger will maintain his power base in Neighborhood Councils long enough to get elected to a real political office (in other words a paying gig).
Moving up to help your constituents isn't bad thing. Demonstrating leadership to get there isn't a bad thing.
Where Antonio and Alger split is that at least Alger does his current job (represent his constituents) while Antonio abandons his in search of higher office.
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