The Neighborhood Council Review Commission recently conducted the first Public Hearing on October 17th at the EPIC Center. There were approximately 100+ in attendance and they all had the opportunity to present their views on how well their respective Neighborhood Councils were representing them as stakeholders. There was also discussion and comments on whether or not Neighborhood Councils were effective and how can the Citywide Neighborhood Council work better. The meeting was attended by a respectful number of Commissioners and all listened intently to all of the comments from the stakeholders in attendance. Councilman Bernard Parks took time to share some of his concerns and his comments were clear and to the point. The Neighborhood councils are supposed to be a grass roots efforts for the purpose of the community coming together to learn how to navigate city hall and to make city government services accessible and consistent. To date the Neighborhood Councils still have not grasped in my opinion how very powerful they can and could be. Most neighborhood councils represent a significant number of stakeholders but on any given meeting night only 50-60 stakeholders attend. While there may be some that don't agree, numbers make a difference to any politician and if the numbers increase at a neighborhood council meeting and start making their concerns known to their political representative I guarantee you that he or she will become more responsive. We as the people have the ability and power to hold all elected officals accountable. The train (neighborhood council)is waiting at the station and it would be ashame if it were to pull out empty. Let's quit complaining and begin to shake up the status quo, if you want your voice to be heard then get involved in your own respective Neighborhood Council, don't let this opportunity pass. Our time is not, the ECCANDC has been certified for over four years. Ask yourself a few questions: Do you feel that you are getting competent and fair city services? Are your streets paved? Are your sidewalks in need of repair? Do you feel safe in your community after dark? Is there adequate Economic Development in your community? Does there appear to be an increase of car washes, car lots and auto mechanic shops in your neighborhood? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? We must stop wishing that everything is going to be better, we must begin to initiate a strategic plan of action that will get the elected officials attention so that they can begin to meet the needs of the entire community. How long must we as a community put up with always being short changed when it comes to community improvement. If you want to be heard then attend our next Neighborhood Council meeting scheduled for Monday, October 23rd at 6050 S. Western Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. Our meetings are held every fourth Monday of the month.

Keep up the great work

This is great....Keep it up.....and keep the message alvie.