The Tyranny of Small Places

Via Political Animal comes a fascinating look at the strange little City of Vernon. About four miles from downtown LA, its about five square miles, almost entirely industrial and commercial development. Almost all the residents (93!) are city employees and thier families. There hasn't been a contested election since 1980. When some new people tried to move to town and run for office, the city disconnected their power and the police force evicted the newcomers from their home. If this was a five square mile island is the Caribbean we would rightly call it a dictatorship. But these folks are getting away with this crap in the middle of LA.