Holding Government Accountable

Embattled City Councilman Is A No-Show

John Lee denies his constituents the opportunity to understand his connections to the developing Los Angeles corruption scandal.

Northridge West Neighborhood Council member Kathleen Edwards makes a point during August meeting (From Zoom recording of meeting)

“I need no clarity on this issue.”

- John Lee supporter

Last week the Northridge West Neighborhood Council (NWNC) became the latest group of community representatives to consider a motion questioning John Lee’s involvement in a trip to Las Vegas that resulted in the felony conviction of his former boss, Mitchell Englander. The NWNC invited Councilman Lee to attend the meeting or to send a representative, but neither was present for the proceedings. Instead, Empower L.A., the agency that is supposed to enable the work of these elected community representatives, attempted to dissuade NWNC from taking up the issue. Unable to silence the debate, Lee’s supporters tried to mount a defense that borrowed heavily from Trump’s efforts following his impeachment.