Galperin vs. James … Not Really a Fight
NC WATCH-City Controller Ron Galperin is rapidly gaining hero status. And, Public Works President, Kevin James is on the same track. Therefore I was somewhat dismayed when James appeared at the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition (LANCC) and suggested … nicely of course … that the recent Controller’s Audit on the Street Services Bureau (SSB) wasn’t accurate. Or perhaps the things that were not included may have caused Angelenos to get the wrong idea.
Elsewhere in this edition of CityWatch you will find a very thorough article from my colleague Paul Hatfield regarding the same meeting. Hatfield has a strong financial background and his articles criticizing certain City offices of financial malfeasance are well documented.
He Showed Up
One of the advantages to readers of CityWatch is its inclusion of all kinds of opinions … many times on the same subject. James is a straight shooter and in light of the new unexpected “geyser” on Sunset Blvd, as well as the Department of Public Works (DPW) audit disclosures, he would have had a great excuse to cancel his scheduled appearance at LANCC. Instead he delivered a comprehensive analysis of the results of the audit and where he took exception … to a standing-room-only house. Perhaps Police Chief Charlie Beck should take notice!
James said he was well aware of the condition of the streets of Los Angeles. When he ran for Mayor that was one of his biggest campaign issues. He said he took this job because of the challenges but now has to work with the reality of the limitations. (Continue reading at Citywatch)