Charter Reform on VICA Agenda

The potential economic and equitable impact of the proposed city charter reform on assets, revenues and services in the Valley and the greater Los Angeles area will be discussed at the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn. membership orientation Thursday.

“That’s a question that will be debated for the next few years . . . it all depends on where you’re sitting” on charter reform, said Robert L. Scott, co-chairman of VICA’s Local Issues Committee and vice president of the L.A. Planning Commission.

“Once the changes are made, we will create some savings,” said Scott, who will speak at the meeting. “It’s the belief of the people who support the charter reform.”

Scott, who has also chaired the city Task Force for Permit Streamlining and is past president of the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, said the biggest component of charter reform is the creation of town councils, effectively creating cities within cities.

Supporters of town councils believe the idea will give the area the ability to more effectively deal in local matters, Scott said.

Public transportation will also be addressed at the meeting, he said. “We’re also going to be discussing the Valley Transit Authority as a separate Valley authority that would not be a part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority,” Scott said.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at Dilbeck/James R. Gary Co. Ltd., 21747 Erwin St. in Woodland Hills, and is free.

For reservations, call VICA at (818) 888-2228.

VICA was founded in 1949 to promote area businesses and encourage the economic vitality and growth of the greater San Fernando Valley region.