Putting the Jeanie back in the bottle?

As Neighborhood Councils attempt to clarify to what extent they can participate in the Democratic Process, the answer may be none.

While attempting to determine if the Council, after taking a position on a ballot measure could use their funding to inform their stakeholders of their position, a new wrinkle has developed.

In the 2000 letter from former City Attorney James K. Hahn, it was clear the council could take a position on a ballot measure.

" If you are asking whether a neighborhood council can become involved in political campaigns or use its official status and resources to influence the election or defeat of candidates and ballot measures, our advice is that, with the exception of taking a public position in support of or opposition to a ballot measure, a neighborhood council may not engage in that type of conduct.”

The current City Attorney in a response for a clarification on the funding question, now refers to the:

Ethics Handbook for Neighborhood Council Governing Board Members, revised March 2003, Prohibited Political Activity, page 11.

Which if, as is stated, prohibits political activity and may result in NCs not being able to take a position.

The City Attorney, is as we write, calling for an in house meeting to determine whether new guidelines for NC need to be issued. Especially in light of the councils taking a position on Measure R.

Now here is even more irony: Councilmember Janice Hahn will be termed out if Measure R fails. Her brother, Former Mayor and former City Attorney James K. Hahn wrote the opinion which is being used to keep Neighborhood Councils from using funds to inform stakeholders of their position against Measure R.

Now we will see if the portion of his (Hahns) letter allowing NCs to take a position, will be eliminated by the current city attorney, who is representing the city in attempting to over turn the lower courts decision and keep Measure alive.

You just gotta just love LA City Politics