DWP Rate Increase Moves Forward
a Neighborhood Council issue

EDITOR'S NOTE: Many LA residents are hoping the now solidifying Neighborhood Councils will give them a significant voice in self-government. Some recent issues have been public safety related, others not, but almost all are impacted by questions involving the state, county and city budgets. This topic is an example of how Neighborhood Councils can express their positions. Jim Alger is from the Northridge West Neighborhood Council but several other Councils have also voted to oppose the DWP rate hike, at least until their voices are heard. For more information about how to become more active in regional and city-wide efforts please see the LACP article:

Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils - GET INVOLVED!

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DWP Rate Increase Moves Forward
a Neighborhood Council issue

by Jim Alger
Northridge West Neighborhood Council
jim@northridgewest.com

In a vote of 2 - 1 the Energy and Natural Resources Committee rejected a plan by Neighborhood Councils to stall a decision pending DWP consulting Neighborhood Councils, and instead voted to allow the matter to proceed to two other committees.

DWP spent most of the time at the second committee hearing hammering away at fear, although this time it wasn't 9-11 or security. Nope, they found something that can scare the City Council more. This time it was DWP's Bond rating which would be affected and cost the city over $100 Million. The only way to prevent that, according to DWP, is not to cut costs, rollback their pay hike, eliminate their plans for a heliport or stop turning over almost $200 Million in "excess revenue" to the cities General Fund, nope the only way that DWP can save itself from the immediate financial collapse is by raising rates.

It seems apparent that the DWP will play the fear card until they get what they want.

What we are asking for is a panel to be set up of Neighborhood Council and Community leaders, the DWP, City Council Representatives and possibly the City Attorney's office to IMMEDIATELY look into avenues that DWP can cut certain costs, and justify any rate increase. Many Neighborhood Council leaders have expressed a desire to participate in such discussions. DWP has resisted the attempt to sit down and negotiate, opting instead to go the "our way or doom" route. By the DWP screaming "emergency" they are able to negate any accountability for their decisions. They are being told "you should have contacted Neighborhood Councils but oh well".

This is in DIRECT violation of the City Charter and Neighborhood Councils SHOULD NOT stand for it.

I ask that everyone stand up, oppose the increase and demand that DWP be forced to sit down at a conference to seek alternatives to a rate hike. Only after such a conference is held, should this hike be approved.

This will be going before the Budget and Finance Committee, although we don't know when yet. Start lobbying for support now.

The committee members are: Parks (chair), Miscikowski (Vice Chair), Cardenas, Smith and Garcetti.

If you haven't done so already, PLEASE DESIGNATE SOMEONE WHO CAN ATTEND A COMMITTEE MEETING ON SHORT NOTICE.

If you wish to help in organizing resistance to this rate hike, please call:

Jim Alger
818 / 928-9001

Disclaimer: Although the Northridge West Neighborhood Council publicly opposes the over 18% DWP rate hike, the campaign against the hike is being spearheaded by Jim Alger on his own behalf. Opinions contained in this email may or may not represent those of the NWNC.

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