In this issue we report on a confusing arrangement among Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, community leader Sallie Caldwell and Community Board 7.

What troubles us is not that Rivera wants to serve the Norwood and Bedford Park sections of her district. We’ve long encouraged politicians based to the east and west of our communities to open satellite offices here.

It’s that the arrangement is not transparent. Everyone involved seems to have a different explanation for what Caldwell’s role is. She is either doing constituent work in the office or not doing any at all, depending on who you talk to. If she is doing constituent work, then Rivera needs to tell her constituents that and advertise a schedule. If she’s not doing constituent work at CB7 — and is just helping out with community board business — then Rivera should just say so. The arrangement, whatever it is, may be perfectly appropriate. But those involved aren’t acting like it.

There also needs to be greater clarity brought to the issue of whether an elected official can use space at a community board office and under what circumstances. For instance, can every elected official use space in the CB7 office if they so desired? Do they need to pay rent?

We weren’t able to get any answers to these questions. The city’s Community Assistance Unit punted to the borough president and the borough president referred us to the City Charter. But surely Board 7 and Rivera can seek guidance from city officials who oversee community boards.

CB7’s chairman, Greg Faulkner, said these issues would be raised at the next executive committee meeting. That’s a good first step.

 

Think Local, Shop Local

As usual around this time of year, we urge our readers to shop locally for holiday gifts wherever possible.

In the special holiday advertising section in this issue, we offer some creative gift ideas, brought to you by local nonprofits. By purchasing from these organizations you’re also supporting their larger missions.

There are also terrific opportunities to find that special something at stores along the numerous shopping districts in the area.

Sure, we have a selfish interest in thriving local business districts; this newspaper wouldn’t exist without them. But we all should care about keeping our commercial areas healthy. When they are, it’s a good sign that our neighborhoods are in good shape, too.

Even if you might save a couple of bucks on a video game or a piece of jewelry at a mall in Westchester or Manhattan — and in most cases you’ll get a better buy in your own backyard — spending money here is an investment in your community.

We ask you to pay particular attention to the advertisers in this newspaper who are themselves investing in better neighborhoods by supporting our work.

Healthy communities require a healthy local economy.

This holiday season, please try to do your part.