(Dear readers - feel free to disregard this entry unless you are especially interested in transparency. This topic is a bit too complex to delve into on Twitter.)
I've been requesting some data from the city since February 2.
On that date, I sent an email through the LA City Controller's website. Controller Kenneth Mejia ran on a transparency platform, and I for one was hopeful that, as a non-politician, he might actually live up to it.
While I appreciate what Controller Mejia has done for transparency (and for shelter animals), not receiving requested data is not a good look.
A friend suggested I reach out to Rick Cole, who works in the Controller's office. I emailed him on February 6 and asked about an API for vacancy data (I'm a former property manager, I am concerned about what short-term rentals are doing to the city, and I am not convinced that the official vacancy rate is truly accurate).
In a response sent February 7, Rick suggested reaching out to the DWP. I promptly did so, and eventually (on February 25) received a completely useless form response.
I emailed Rick again on February 13, asking if I should reach out to anyone specific. I did not receive a response.
I emailed Rick a third time on March 2, asking if he had a DWP contact. He did respond that time, referring me to Martin Adams at the DWP. I was CCed on a response on March 6 (the response did not include any data).
I have not heard from either of them since March 7, despite sending a follow-up email to both of them on March 23.
Who, exactly, does one have to be to get a proper response from anyone who works for the city?
If anyone at City Hall is indeed paying attention, kindly take note: You work for the people of LA, not the other way around.
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