Working out kinks of Neighborhood Councils

After more than a year of study, the panel charged with reviewing Los Angeles' network of neighborhood councils is recommending a myriad of changes to make life a little easier for those who volunteer in the name of grass-roots democracy. Kerry Cavanaugh in the Daily News.

The panel is urging streamlined elections, simpler bill-paying rules, more intelligible bylaws and an expedited grievance process.

The Neighborhood Council Review Commission rejected the concept of"mini city councils" concept but didstressthe needcalled for less bureaucracy - a move that could significantly reshape the council network.