Blog: I, Nelson R. Grande II, am Running for President of the ERNC

My name is Nelson Rafael Grande II. I have recently made the decision to apply for candidacy as President of the .

Living in Eagle Rock, I've come to love this Community for what it embodies. I have not lived in a town that is more diverse, peaceful, and neighborly as is Eagle Rock. It is a neighborhood where one can walk the dog after dark without a worry. We go dining together at the local pizza shops. We go shopping together at the various strip malls filled with private businesses. We go play together with our children at the parks and the Community-wide festivals. It is truly a place for all. I am proud to say I am an Eagle Rocker.

Recently, it has come to my attention that most Eagle Rockers may not be not aware of the existence of our Neighborhood Council. The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, or ERNC, is a small, volunteer-based group of individuals set to provide the Los Angeles City Council (LACC), City of LA, and Mayor with advice on how to best fund and manage the Community.

In the past years, the ERNC has been involved with suggesting such things as which Community Events to publicly fund, which establishments receive Liquor Licenses, and how to better manage local law enforcement.

In 2010, I was appointed Youth Director of the ERNC. While my stay was only about a year long, I was happy to be able to participate in this Advisory Committee. I was able to meet very many wonderful people. Many Community activists would visit and speak with us. It was always heartwarming to see those truly involved in their Community. I was also able to meet and speak with concerned Eagle Rockers. Some were concerned over safety and others were concerned over new City regulations that may impact their personal lives. It was a great experience hearing all of their voices.

I want to continue seeing such great activism on a local level. That's why it is my goal to let the Eagle Rock Community know that each one of us has a voice! The City must know that each one of us is Eagle Rock. We are all equally important and deserve to be heard.

As President of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council I will make it my top priority to give every Eagle Rocker complete access to all ERNC dealings. I will also make accessibility a very high priority. I will be a Representative of the People of Eagle Rock. And the only way to Represent what the People want is to actually know what the People want. I aim to be your Public Servant.

I will have access to an abundance of information and will, undoubtedly, make informed decisions. I will share those decisions and make a case for them. But, as a True Public Servant, I will always concede to all of you in the final say.

We are a proud, diverse Community and, inevitably, will not always see eye to eye. But together we can agree to collaborate on contentious issues in order to find the best, and most practical, solution possible. This Collaboration will be a top priority as President. Together, we are stronger. Let's make Eagle Rock a shining example of what is a truly strong, Collaborative Community.

I will Champion open forums and discussions; discussions in which no one is shut out or asked to take a back seat. I will Empower the Eagle Rock citizen.

I will empower our Youth. Education is of the utmost importance. I will work tirelessly to do everything within our power to fix this underfunded education system. With the utmost conviction, I promise to work at including Critical Thinking in our schools. We must teach our Youth how to think before we tell them what to think. Smarter decision makers build smarter Communities. We must keep our Children's minds stimulated with an abundance of programs. The Arts and other after school programs must not take a back seat.

Eagle Rock is a perfect example of a neighborhood in which Private Business flourishes. I will work to perpetuate this. There is no greater feeling than going into a shop and being able to shake the hand of a business owner. No policies, just friendly business. This is why I would visit Eagle Rock even before I lived here.

I will work to encourage new volunteer-led Community programs using our Public grounds; programs that, again, will empower the everyday Eagle Rocker.

Each one of you is Eagle Rock and Eagle Rock is the finest Community in which I've ever lived. Eagle Rock is our home and I wish nothing more than to have the humble honor of being your Public Servant.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at NelsonBig@NEGeeks.net or call me at (323) 989-ERNC