EDITORIAL JUST FRIENDS BERNSON TAKES CARE OF HIS OWN.CITY Councilman Hal Bernson Hal Bernson served as Los Angeles City Councilman for the 12th district. He was chair of the Transportation Committee. Prior to being on the City Council, he served in the Navy. Preceded by Robert M. is a good and loyal friend. But he's not always a good and loyal public servant. He's funny that way. When push comes to shove, Bernson's friends know he'll use his influence to their advantage. If only he were so dependable for his constituents. When Bernson's pal, developer and political insider Ted Stein, sought to build 21 houses on land zoned for only 16 in Chatsworth horse country, Bernson obliged o·blige v. o·bliged, o·blig·ing, o·blig·es v.tr. 1. To constrain by physical, legal, social, or moral means. 2. . Because Mayor Richard Riordan Richard J. Riordan (born May 1, 1930) is a Republican politician from California, U.S. who served as the California Secretary of Education from 2003–2005 and as Mayor of Los Angeles from 1993–2001. Riordan ran for Governor of California unsuccessfully in 2002. had already vetoed a measure to rezone re·zone tr.v. re·zoned, re·zon·ing, re·zones To change the zoning classification of (a neighborhood or property, for example). re the land, pushing through Stein's plan would require a two-thirds majority of the City Council. Bernson, who represents the area, used his clout to line up the votes. Stein's development passed unanimously - 12-0 - in a lame-duck council eager to get all the dirty work it can done before Sunday, when new blood takes over. Bernson handily hand·i·ly adv. 1. In an easy manner. 2. In a convenient manner. Adv. 1. handily - in a convenient manner; "the switch was conveniently located" conveniently 2. delivered the votes and the deal. That's no mean feat. When he tried to stop the council from opening the Sunshine Canyon dump in Granada Hills, he was unable to muster a simple majority. He couldn't even persuade his colleagues to delay the vote until after they had thoroughly examined the alternatives. Scoring a unanimous resolution in favor of Stein's development is a testament to what Bernson can do when he really sets his mind to something. That's what friends are for. Chatsworth residents, naturally, weren't too pleased with the vote. They pay good money for homes in the area precisely because it is less dense and it's a good place to keep horses. Now, with their own councilman's consent and his presence in office for two more years before being term-limited out, they are worried other open space will get similar variances for denser developments that threaten the rural way of life. Neighbors tried to raise their voices, but to no avail. They report that Bernson was unwilling even to meet them. What is so worrisome about this conduct is it is so common at City Hall, where the insiders get their way and the residents don't even get a say. No wonder residents of the Valley, San Pedro and Hollywood are agitating ag·i·tate v. ag·i·tat·ed, ag·i·tat·ing, ag·i·tates v.tr. 1. To cause to move with violence or sudden force. 2. for secession, and why so many Angelenos feel alienated al·ien·ate tr.v. al·ien·at·ed, al·ien·at·ing, al·ien·ates 1. To cause to become unfriendly or hostile; estrange: alienate a friend; alienate potential supporters by taking extreme positions. from and disgusted with City Hall. With politicians kowtowing to special interests and arrogantly ignoring their own constituents, it's no surprise that average residents feel like they can't get a fair deal. City Hall's contempt and unresponsiveness un·re·spon·sive adj. Exhibiting a lack of responsiveness. un  re·spon breed the NIMBYism and resentment that too often characterizes L.A. City Hall needs fewer loyal friends of special interests and more loyal friends of good government. |
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