Mid-City West Council changes election date
By Edwin Folven, 7/19/2012
Voters will choose new board members on Nov. 15
The Mid-City West Community Council (MCWCC) has changed the date of its upcoming election from Oct. 28 to Nov. 15.
The change was deemed necessary to allow more stakeholders in the community vote. The previous election date, Oct. 28, is a Sunday, and members of the MCWCC Executive Committee believed that it would have prevented people who work but do not live in the area from participating. The MCWCC is open to all stakeholders in the community, including residents and people who work in the area.
“It seemed unfair to the stakeholders who aren’t residents to go through that process,” MCWCC Chair Tim Deegan said. “For instance, if you work at CBS but live in Encino, it may have been difficult to come here to vote.”
The decision marked the third change this year for the MCWCC’s election date. Earlier this year, the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE), which oversees community councils citywide, switched the traditional election dates for all city councils from the spring to the fall. The MCWCC board originally chose Sept. 16 as its election date, but that date was criticized because it falls on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of one of the most important times of the year for the Jewish community. Some members of the community expressed concerns that the date would preclude many Jewish stakeholders from voting.
“We were very sensitive to that,” Deegan added.
Although people who could not vote in person could participate in the Oct. 28 election via mail-in ballot, it was determined that the process would be too difficult. The Nov. 15 election date falls on a Thursday, which Deegan said will allow for maximum participation.
“We want the community to have a voice, and now the community will have that opportunity. The success of the Mid-City West Community Council relies on greater participation from the diverse groups of individuals who live and work in the community,” Deegan added. “We encourage everyone to participate, to throw their hat in the ring and to vote.”
The MCWCC has a 45-member board, and the goal of the election is to have at least two candidates for each position. Deegan also said the council is hoping to increase voter participation by 150 percent.
Voting will be held from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center, 7600 Beverly Blvd.
For information about voting or applying to become a candidate, visit www.midcitywest.org.
Tags | Mid-City West Community Council election date Nov. 15
