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[ ARCHIVE ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/archive)
# A Better Use of ‘Community Service’ Time or How Alarcon and Wright Could Help Neighborhood Councils
September 15 2014
Written by Greg Nelson.
[](https://www.addtoany.com/share)
CONSIDER THIS-Former state legislator Rod Wright got sentenced to, among other things, a boatload of community service time hours. It looks like former city councilman Richard Alarcon (photo) might get the same.
Although some people might think it fitting to see convicted politicians alongside highways picking up trash, there is an opportunity here that neighborhood councils could capitalize on.
Neighborhood councils, or the city’s Department of Neighborhood Empowerment should arrange with the Superior Court to be an organization that is authorized to supervise those who must do community service time, and get some skilled, free labor in return.
Former lawmakers could provide the neighborhood councils with reality checks about why so many of the councils are ignored by decision-makers, and help them understand what they need to do in order to build real political influence.
The councils shouldn’t worry if they’re giving into the process too late for Wright and Alarcon, there will be plenty more coming through the pipeline.
***(Greg Nelson is a former general manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, was instrumental in the creation of the LA Neighborhood Council System, served as chief of staff for former LA City Councilman Joel Wachs … and occasionally writes for CityWatch. He can be reached at)* **-cw****
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**CityWatch**
**Vol 12 Issue 75**
**Pub: Sep 16, 2014**
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