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Score One for the LANCC DWP Committee |
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Just In
By Soledad Garcia
(Soledad Garcia is the Chair of the newly formed LANCC DWP Committee. This is her just-in and unedited report on Tuesday’s success at the DWP Board of Commissioners meeting.)
A wonderful event happened at the September 16th DWP Commissioners Board Meeting!!!!!!
Nick Patsaouras, the President of the DWP Board of Commissioners, made a motion to have an independent RATE PAYERS ADVOCATE.
There were three of us present at Tuesday's meeting; so, you know it was not just a figment of the imagination. The proclamation took everyone by surprise. It was the best gift the Committee could have received.
Remember that the Rate Payers' Advocate was included in the Oversight Committee Resolution of September 3, 2007?
http://www.citywatchla.com/content/view/924/
Remember the many times the idea of having a PUC type of people around to present the NCs and City Council with budget information was shot down?
Mr. Nahai informed Mr. Patsaouras that the Energy and Environment Committee of the City Council had allowed 45 days for a Council DWP Ombudsman to be created. He stated that cost would be a factor. The prospect of having both a Rate Payers' Advocate and an Ombudsman was questioned by the General Manager. Mr. Nahai said he would work with Mr. Patsaouras.
Fortunately, Dan Wiseman, Candido Marez and I seized the opportunity to agree with Mr. Patsaouras's Rate Payers' Advocate motion; and, stated that the Ombudsman and RPA had different duties and responsibilities. The two could work together and compliment each other.
Mr. Patsaouras's great and brave support for the Neighborhood Councils and the Rate Payers is to be commended. He should be recognized and praised. Please send a thank you note to Nick Patsaouras (
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) and encourage him to see the Rate Payers' Advocate position implemented.
We will post the video of the motion for you all to see and hear, when it is received.
The RPA has been one of our issues for a year. Now, with your help, we will have a winner!!! (The LANCC DWP Committee meets Saturday at noon at the Faculty Lounge … right after the Citywide Alliance Forum … at LA City College.) ◘
CityWatch
Vol 6 Issue 76
Pub: Sept 19, 2008
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