The challenge of Los Angeles government

The challenge of Los Angeles government

The challenge of Los Angeles government has been to build and sustain

a city government that will be efficient, effective, and responsive. In 1999,

Los Angeles voters passed a new city charter that increased the authority of the mayor

and created new institutions to enhance public participation.

The new charter has moved Los Angeles forward in the direction of greater participation.

The city is consolidating and absorbing these major changes.

But further progress is likely to be needed both within the halls of city

government and within the community.

The struggle to build the best possible governance structure for

Los Angeles will continue well into the 21st century.

What are the loose ends? What are the reform ideas of tomorrow?

An effective democracy depends on a well-designed governance

system and a well-informed and engaged citizenry. The political culture of

Los Angeles is one of limited political interest, and there are no political

party organizations to mobilize voters. Neighborhoods are hard to define

and boundaries are fuzzy. With some notable exceptions, the media provide

relatively little attention to local public affairs. How can participation

be increased and how can the connection between residents and their city

government be enhanced?

Voters have been confounded, hoodwinked, bamboozled, bluffed, duped, manipulated, seduced, beguiled, flimflammed and sandbagged by a master of deception into believing that there is “no alternative in the opposition”.

That they have to vote for the current corrupt failed elected officials. What a brainwashing agenda.

http://draimanformayor2013.com

World class renewable energy innovation enterprise zone revealed for Los Angeles – Proposed by YJ Draiman

YJ Draiman Vision

World class renewable energy innovation enterprise zone revealed for Los Angeles – Proposed by YJ Draiman – rev.6   YJ Draiman welcomes innovative renewable energy zone approach which will create 200,000 + new jobs over the next 5-10 years.   An ambitious project that will transform the way universities, business and industry collaborate, and establish Los Angeles as a world leader in the research, development and design of next generation renewable energy technology, was announced today, January 2, 2011. Spearheaded by YJ Draiman and the Economic development agency, Draiman Enterprise, and National Technology Renewable Energy Zone, will be established in the city of Los Angeles with the Universities of Southern California Technology Innovation Development at its heart. A large parcel of land will be allocated to set up the renewable energy enterprise zone site, which will be within the boundaries of Los Angeles. There will be an academic center which will be transformed into a center of excellence for academic research, commercialization and industry collaboration. The renewable energy zone initiative, which would span further than the confines of the City of Los Angeles and include Southern California, is expected to create 200,000 + new jobs over the next 5-10 years and give a boost to the Los Angeles economy through further industry academia collaboration and inward investment. The developer said: “This new vision of the Renewable energy Technology Innovation Center will be the cornerstone of Los Angeles Technology and Renewable Energy Zone. The developer’s vision for The Renewable energy Zone is to provide a breeding ground for ambitious companies to harness cutting-edge research, access the best people and develop the products which will shape the renewable energy industry of tomorrow. “Southern California has already claimed a place on the renewables map attracting energy heavyweights and pioneers in the solar and wind sector and we believe that by establishing this zone we will help reinforce Los Angeles position as a location of choice for the rapidly expanding renewables industry.” Developer said: “The Universities in the Los Angeles area’s Technology and Innovation Center is a transformational project for Los Angeles, building on California’s great tradition of innovating new technologies and developments in fields; including energy and engineering while creating and supporting hundreds of jobs. Through this collaboration, the aim is to quadruple the scale of research program investment in Los Angeles in areas key to economic growth by up to $10 billion + in five to ten years. “And now, as an integral part of Los Angeles Enterprise’s new Technology and Renewable Energy Zone, which aims to establish Los Angeles as a premier location for inward investment into world-leading technology and renewables research and development, we have the potential to deliver huge economic and social benefits, not only in Los Angeles but nationally and beyond.” YJ Draiman’s vision for Los Angeles is to make LA the World Capital of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency & Water Conservation.   The developer said: “The Technology and Innovation for renewable energy zone will help transform Los Angeles and Southern California. By capitalizing on our leading, industry-relevant research, the renewable energy zone will attract billions of dollars of inward investment to the city of Los Angeles, drive global businesses, create jobs, and support the development of our highly-qualified graduates and postgraduates. “As a leading technological hub of Universities, they are committed to sharing knowledge to address challenges that affect every area of society, including energy, health, manufacturing and economics. The renewable energy zone will forge new levels of collaboration between researchers, the public and private sectors to accelerate the pace of research and development and deliver benefit to companies, the economy and Southern California.” The collaborative approach with the Universities, Los Angeles Enterprise and existing pioneering renewable energy leaders means that companies locating in the zone will have access to government support and some of the world’s best industry and academia in the fields of technology, engineering and energy. The project represents a supportive government and business environment where companies locating in and around the zone may be eligible for additional support for job creation, innovation and staff development, delivered through various California Enterprise schemes. When the need arises we will establish facilities within the existing Zone that offer temporary accommodation for prospective tenants until construction of the research center is complete or, if required, a purpose-built industry engagement building is created within the Zone. Renewable energy Zone is designed to draw on Southern California’s existing competitive advantage by providing the right business environment for the renewables industry to continue to grow and further develop. Recent announcements from industry leaders have reinforced Southern California’s position as a world leading city in solar, wind research and development. A leader in energy innovation with unrivalled human and natural resources in renewable energy, Southern California is building on its rich history of oil and gas exploration and developing an infrastructure to cement its position as a world class location for international companies looking to invest in renewable energy and Energy efficiency.   We must develop our hydrocarbon resources and allocate a 20 percent of the revenue for renewable energy and energy efficiency. This will turn the economy and provide thousands of jobs for the long term. Our economic prosperity depends on it. These jobs can not be performed overseas. It will also increase our energy independence and make the U.S. less reliant on foreign sources of energy.   In addition to this theme, I would also set up a department to handle water conservation, rainwater harvesting and greywater. Implement an infrastructure collection of runoff water and filtering it for useable purposes.   Modify building codes to implement better insulation and efficiency, better energy efficient windows, renewable energy system (photovoltaic and wind combo systems), high efficiency rating HVAC systems, Geothermal systems, envelope exterior that is insulated from the sun’s heat, landscape design for proper shading and drought resistant, rainwater harvesting, greywater systems. “Good leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion” - Paid for by Draiman for Los Angeles “It is Cheaper to Save Energy than Make Energy” YJ Draiman for Mayor of Los Angeles 2013                          http://www.yjdraimanformayor.com

Draiman - My quest to restore Leadership, Experience and Integrity to City Hall

Draiman - My quest to restore Leadership, Experience and Integrity to City Hall

YJ Draiman

Candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles (2013)

I’m not a politician. You won’t get politically correct doublespeak from me, just the plain facts. The plain facts are often disturbing and as a NC Board Member I’ve never been shy from revealing the sometimes ugly truth about the way the City functions.

Career politicians like the current have no interest in serving the public; rather, they use public office to serve their own interests and those of the small but wealthy cadre of greedy “special interests” who fund their campaigns in return for favors when decisions over controversial matters such as billboards and development have to be made by elected officials.

All too often, the City Council’s actions support the special interests at the expense of the interests of the ordinary people like you and me.

When common sense dictates that our already over-congested streets should not be further burdened by more high-density luxury condominium developments, current elected official’s side with the developers and contractors who funnel campaign contributions to further their interests. We need a Los Angeles with Financial Sustainability that is my goal.

My pledge is for a “City of Los Angeles for the people” not for the politicians and special interests.

Draiman for Mayor of Los Angeles 2013

Draiman - My quest to restore Leadership, Experience and Integrity to City Hall

Draiman - My quest to restore Leadership, Experience and Integrity to City Hall

YJ Draiman

Candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles (2013)

I’m not a politician. You won’t get politically correct doublespeak from me, just the plain facts. The plain facts are often disturbing and as a NC Board Member I’ve never been shy from revealing the sometimes ugly truth about the way the City functions.

Career politicians like the current have no interest in serving the public; rather, they use public office to serve their own interests and those of the small but wealthy cadre of greedy “special interests” who fund their campaigns in return for favors when decisions over controversial matters such as billboards and development have to be made by elected officials.

All too often, the City Council’s actions support the special interests at the expense of the interests of the ordinary people like you and me.

When common sense dictates that our already over-congested streets should not be further burdened by more high-density luxury condominium developments, current elected official’s side with the developers and contractors who funnel campaign contributions to further their interests. We need a Los Angeles with Financial Sustainability that is my goal.

My pledge is for a “City of Los Angeles for the people” not for the politicians and special interests.

Draiman for Mayor of Los Angeles 2013

YJ Draiman my bid to be elected as mayor of Los Angeles - 2013

YJ Draiman my bid to be elected as mayor of Los Angeles - 2013

Truer facts were never posted. Peace, justice and liberty through musical expression.

Today turns into tomorrow and then the future is in your face. Make it happen, now is the time.

YJ Draiman wrote an article for the Los Angeles time’s summer 2011 issue.

My name is YJ Draiman and I want to be your Mayor. And here’s why.
Los Angeles is a City at a crossroads. It is where we raise our families, have our businesses and our homes. But every week shops close and we hear more complaints about parking, crime and taxes. Development ideas that have the potential to improve tax revenue, foot traffic and downtown charm with little risk to taxpayers require much attention before anything can move forward. There is discussion about making Los Angeles a greener healthier place to live, yet nothing changes. Our low-income population continues to struggle. In short, we are a place in need of attention, a place that needs its Mayor to be more than just a legislative figurehead.
A Mayor must be a leader, a person full of ideas for our future and an ability to make these ideas a reality. Los Angeles needs a Mayor who works and delegates. Our City Department’s job is to keep our municipality running smoothly and efficiently. They do not set the direction of our community. That is the job of the Mayor and the City council.
That direction must be accompanied by vision that will help the Los Angeles we love become the Los Angeles we imagine.
As an elected Board member, I have begun to tackle the problems we have by—working with my peers, merchants, residents and law enforcement to combat nighttime noise, litter and crime, resulting in reduction of crime in Los Angeles;
—working to fill empty storefronts and solve parking problems by improving signage, communication and parking stock;
—working with state, local and federal officials to create jobs and funding;
—working to improve recreation by spearheading the building of basketball courts, a new rowing dock and creating a boxing program for youth;
—working to get clinics in our schools and our neighborhoods to serve seniors and those
who struggle with medical care;
—working to replace our unsuccessful affordable housing law with a program that will help the poor and elderly.
My fellow Board members support me in my bid for Mayor because we share a vision. But someone must lead the charge. Our work must be advanced. We must have a beautiful green waterfront with plenty of healthy activity; we must find a way to reduce taxes and fees, encourage smart growth and lose our dependence on access revenue. We must see business flourish.
This election is a choice between moving forward and standing still. If you believe that
Los Angeles can do better, then I am the right choice for your Mayor

People, who know how to employ themselves, always find leisure moments, while those who do nothing are forever in a hurry.

YJ Draiman for Mayor of LA

My name is YJ Draiman and I am running for mayor of Los Angeles

My name is YJ Draiman and I am running for mayor of Los Angeles
How can you have patience for people who claim they love America, but clearly can't stand Americans?  Los Angeles is a City that needs clear and coherent thinking to address the budget, the economy, city services. It needs a responsible attentive government, address unemployment and make Los Angeles business friendly with streamlined rules and regulations with reduced bureaucracy. We've got serious problems, and we need serious people, with no hidden agenda just represent the interests of the people of Los Angeles. My name is YJ Draiman and I am running for Mayor of Los Angeles.  PS. We need a city that enforces the current laws, promotes good education, respects the constitution, protects its citizens and make the city conducive to new business and employment - not milk its citizens with additional taxes and fees. Peoples concern today is: FSJHE – Food, Shelter, Jobs, Healthcare and Education

YJ Draiman my bid to be elected as mayor of Los Angeles - 2013

Truer facts were never posted. Peace, justice and liberty through musical expression.Today turns into tomorrow and then the future is in your face. Make it happen, now is the time.

YJ Draiman wrote an article for the Los Angeles time’s summer 2011 issue.

My name is YJ Draiman and I want to be your Mayor.

And here’s why.
Los Angeles is a City at a crossroads. It is where we raise our families, have our businesses and our homes. But every week shops close and we hear more complaints about parking, crime and taxes. Development ideas that have the potential to improve tax revenue, foot traffic and downtown charm with little risk to taxpayers require much attention before anything can move forward. There is discussion about making Los Angeles a greener healthier place to live, yet nothing changes. Our low-income population continues to struggle. In short, we are a place in need of attention, a place that needs its Mayor to be more than just a legislative figurehead.
A Mayor must be a leader, a person full of ideas for our future and an ability to make these ideas a reality. Los Angeles needs a Mayor who works and delegates. Our City Department’s job is to keep our municipality running smoothly and efficiently. They do not set the direction of our community. That is the job of the Mayor and the City council.
That direction must be accompanied by vision that will help the Los Angeles we love become the Los Angeles we imagine.
As an elected Board member, I have begun to tackle the problems we have by—working with my peers, merchants, residents and law enforcement to combat nighttime noise, litter and crime, resulting in reduction of crime in Los Angeles;
—working to fill empty storefronts and solve parking problems by improving signage, communication and parking stock;—working with state, local and federal officials to create jobs and funding;—working to improve recreation by spearheading the building of basketball courts, a new rowing dock and creating a boxing program for youth;—working to get clinics in our schools and our neighborhoods to serve seniors and thosewho struggle with medical care;—working to replace our unsuccessful affordable housing law with a program that will help the poor and elderly.My fellow Board members support me in my bid for Mayor because we share a vision. But someone must lead the charge. Our work must be advanced. We must have a beautiful green waterfront with plenty of healthy activity; we must find a way to reduce taxes and fees, encourage smart growth and lose our dependence on access revenue. We must see business flourish.This election is a choice between moving forward and standing still. If you believe thatLos Angeles can do better, then I am the right choice for your Mayor
People, who know how to employ themselves, always find leisure moments, while those who do nothing are forever in a hurry.

YJ Draiman for Mayor of LA

Accountability and Ethical Bankruptcy in a Financial Meltdown

Accountability and Ethical Bankruptcy in a Financial Meltdown

Economic pressures, fear of an uncertain economic future, keeping up with the Joneses, entitlement attitudes, and pure unadulterated greed are some of the excuses that have made the workplace more vulnerable to theft. As a result of the worsening American economy, The Wall Street Journal recently reported a surge in employee embezzlement and theft. Paper clips, copiers, office furniture, and billions of dollars taken are samples of the many and varied items employees feel compelled to take for personal use or resale. An accountant, recently embezzled $180,000 from a furniture company. When asked why, was quoted as having said, “To give my children what they wanted.” A municipal court worker took $131,000 over about a six-year period “to pay bills.”
The mind’s power to rationalize convinces us to believe what we want overriding our moral conscience. To tell oneself often enough and long enough that we need, deserve, have been cheated out of, victimized, are owed, each marginalizes our emotional and moral intelligence. Moral decisions should not be made in a vacuum. In other words, moral dilemmas ought to be made with critical thought and reflection. We are tempted to shut out the voice of conscience when our desires for gratification appeal. When faced with strong temptations of unethical behavior, I have heard the voices of my parents and grandparents say, “Joe, you be a good boy now, you hear.” Long deceased, their voices are still clear in the moral conscience of this 1960's teenager.

Within any business, governmental, and non-profit organizations, there ought to be a voice to remind people of their moral responsibility. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (for public companies) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (for ALL other organizations) call for an ethical culture. This places an imperative for ethics education and training for all in organizations. Obviously, organizational leadership has to first to step up to the plate to make this happen. Being reminded of the consequences of ethical misconduct affirms expectations and multiple costs. What are some ways to increase moral awareness?

1. Compliment associates on good character traits exemplified in their work.
2. Openly discuss ethical dilemmas.
3. Develop and conduct regular training on ethics.
4. Have associates to take turns teaching the ethics learning session.
5. Openly discuss ethical misconduct incidents. This alleviates the much of the gossip and rumor mill, which prolongs disruption.
6. Create an atmosphere of transparency.

7. Practice Accountability, Honesty and Integrity.

No one is one 100% ethical 100% percent of the time. However, it is prudent to be cognizant of behavioral patterns of ethical misconduct. As in a sitcom show it was stated to Law enforcement officer, in TV Show,” “John, you better nip it the bud right now.” These recommendations and other measures help to mitigate the costs of ethical misconduct for organizations, associates, and families, which can be substantial. The costs of ongoing ethics education are an investment in the ethical culture of your organization.

Comment:

It is interesting that your first three points all deal with actions that, I have observed, are NOT taking place in our society. One of the largest items not being discussed in the wake of our economic downturns are the immoral and unethical decisions that were made that led to the mess we are in. It seems if we were all more willing to engage in your point #2, openly discuss ethical dilemmas, then we as a society would be more willing to engage unethical behavior when we see it. We must not only discuss ethics, but practice it on a daily basis. There is no such thing as entitlement, everything and anything has to be earned. We have to insist on a higher level of morality.

Compiled by: Yj Draiman

Themes: Draiman Yj, Accountability and Ethical Bankruptcy in a Financial Meltdown