Popular election of local community boards
Where do community residents turn when they want to get
actively involved themselves? What if they want some direct input—even
a vote—on questions of policy?
Currently, there aren’t many options. The members of
the current Community Boards, for example, are appointed by Borough
Presidents and other office-holders. They are not directly accountable
to the people who live in the neighborhoods. But I am proposing —along
with other Green candidates in New York City— popular election of
the local Community Boards.
I think people should have the chance to run for this
office themselves. I believe that an elected community board member
would be held accountable to the community.
Further, elected "Community Councils" based in City
Council districts could replace the current Community Boards. They could
serve more than the current "advisory" role— they could propose bills
for consideration by City Council and thus take part in the formulation
of local laws.