TedPage: LULA Meeting

I went to the Linux Users' of Los Angeles (LULA) meeting last night, and had fun. The meeting was on how to react to a recent press release from a couple of council members in The City of Los Angeles who suggested using Open Source software for the city. Basically saying that it would save them 5 million dollars, which they could then use to hire more police officers.

Our speaker was Chelsea Shure, who describes herself as a "political junkie". She made some great points. Basically, I think the crux of what she was trying to say was that we need to establish relationships with the city council, not necissarily push one issue. When they need a technical board, who do they ask? People they know. Establishing yourself as someone they know with a technical bent makes you someone who ends up on the committees discussing those issues.

So, atleast for me, that is something I plan on doing. I've found my councilwoman and I plan on getting in touch with her technical deputy. I'd encourage others to do the same.