Neighborhood councils

Re “The powers that could be,” Opinion, Nov. 4

D.J. Waldie’s essay stresses the potential for neighborhood councils to become significant players in Los Angeles politics.

However, thus far their record suggests that they will be a negative force, impeding almost any effort to improve the city.

Consider the list of council achievements that the essay cites: preventing the openings of two Home Depots and a Wal-Mart and blocking two new housing developments. Opposition to change is common -- that’s why some use the acronym CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) to describe the groups.

The neighborhood council concept will become successful only when councils become proactive supporters of sensible progress.

Paul Bergman

Los Angeles

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Waldie erroneously claimed that I credit the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council with reversing my support for the proposed Home Depot project in my district.

I have always been clear that Home Depot needed to comply with the city’s planning process and provide the surrounding community a voice.

I also opposed the Home Depot because the community has a greater need for a general merchandise store.

However, I told the community members that I could not stand in the way of a lawful construction project. In the end, Home Depot failed to play by the rules. The Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and the Sunland-Tujunga Alliance were vital in holding Home Depot accountable to being a good neighbor.

I think that neighborhood councils have become an integral part of city government, and I enjoy working with them to improve communities throughout my district.

Wendy Greuel

Los Angeles

City Councilwoman