NCs ask: Who's the Boss?

Tackling one of the most contentious issues facing Los Angeles' neighborhood council system, the panel charged with reviewing the grass-roots network is weighing who should have a voice on the councils.Kerry Cavanaugh in the Daily News.

Residents and business owners are obvious stakeholders. But what about a real estate agent? Should one be allowed to run for a seat on a neighborhood council in an area where the real estate agent is selling homes?

Should a Northridge resident be able to serve on a committee of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council because his child goes to school in that community?

What about someone who lunches three times a week at Pink's Hot Dogs? Should that person be allowed to vote on the Mid City West Community Council?

Ultimately, the definition of "stakeholder" is at the heart of the debate over the entire neighborhood council system: What role do the boards play in Los Angeles city government, and who is allowed to represent a neighborhood?