Charter Reform and Cityhood

The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles takes exception to the column by Richard H. Close in the Nov. 8 paper (“Charter Reform Vote Will Bolster Cityhood”).

First, although neighborhood councils have always been a part of the discussion by both the elected and appointed commissions, there has never been a commitment from either commission that land-use decision authority would be a part of charter reform. The assumption that land-use decisions would be the primary function of neighborhood councils is a myth that is very difficult to overcome. Land-use decisions are by state law made by city planning bodies.

Second, the elected commission has not voted to support or oppose neighborhood councils. It has decided not to require “elected” neighborhood councils. The commission did provide the option of elections at some future time, if neighborhood councils decide to move in that direction. By moving to appointed councils, they appear to agree with the appointed commission’s argument that self-selection by interest groups in each community opens the process up to more people.

We urge the public not to be swayed by those who have much to gain by defeating charter reform. The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles has long believed in the need for reform of the city charter. Our community needs less administrative detail in the charter and clearly delineated direct lines of authority.

We hope our Los Angeles community will look at what the commissions are offering before believing what they read from opponents of charter reform.

CINDY O’CONNOR, 1st Vice President and Action Director

SUSAN RICE, Charter Reform Action, Committee Chair League of Women Voters of Los Angeles