The Westwood Neighborhood Council’s newest member, Naomi Kisel, became interested in city politics after hearing stories about her family’s experiences in the Soviet Union.
She said her grandmother was persecuted for her Christian faith, for example. She added this experience helped her appreciate American political values, such as freedom of expression.
Kisel, a third-year political science and Russian language student, joined the Westwood Neighborhood Council at its September meeting after the board formally appointed her to the position. The council appointed Kisel to the vacant renter seat left by Shelby Kretz, who resigned from council earlier this year.
Kisel said that as a council member, she wants to defend student interests by making Westwood safer for students. She said she thinks Westwood should have more police foot patrols to keep students safe.
“Westwood Village in the evening can feel a little unsafe, depending on how late you are coming home,” she said. “I want to make sure Westwood has all the necessary accommodations so students feel safe walking around at all times of the day.”
Kisel initially ran for the position in January, after two renter seats became vacant in the fall. Council President Lisa Chapman said while many council members liked Kisel, they did not appoint her at the time because she was interning for Los Angeles Council member Paul Koretz, which they felt was a potential conflict of interest.
Jasmine Shamolian, a field representative for Koretz, said Kisel worked out of Los Angeles City Hall and added she thinks Kisel was a passionate intern. Kisel’s internship ended earlier this year.
“It was our pleasure to have had (Kisel) in our office as an intern,” Shamolian said in a statement. “I would describe her as bright … and motivated.”
Chapman said the council was once again impressed with Kisel as an applicant after her internship ended, and added she thinks council members admired Kisel’s passion for Westwood issues.
“I think some students look at serving on the board for padding their resume. I don’t see that with Naomi,” Chapman said. “I think she really wants to make a difference.”
Kisel said she thinks the council is a valuable resource for students who want to be politically active in Westwood. She added she was glad to be exposed to the council because she thinks not many students are aware of it.
“I think it’s an amazing tool for students to affect change in their community and I am very honored that I was chosen,” she said.
Kisel said she plans to stay involved in American politics in the future, especially at the local level. She added hearing about her parents’ personal experiences living in the Soviet Union has made her appreciate the democratic political culture of the United States.
“I really believe in our government and I think that’s because I saw firsthand the effects of a different government,” she said.