Surrounded by those who share in his passion and vision for Culver City, Jeff Cooper last night formally launched his campaign for next year’s City Council race in front of the building he soon hopes to call home.
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Not hard to pick out candidate Jeff Cooper in the announcement crowd.
Shortly before the City Council meeting, Mr. Cooper, standing in the courtyard of the majestic City Hall building, was the exclusive target of attention, flanked by his wife, daughters and dozens of supporters.
Disappointed at only coming close in last year’s race for three open seats, the banker-businessman said he is determined this time to start in front and remain there. He is the first declared candidate.
Two Openings
Election Day is next April when two seats will be available, After two terms, Gary Silbiger will be term-limited. Scott Malsin is expected to rigorously compete for a second terem.
“What will they say about Culver City in 2030?” Mr. Cooper asked last evening.
“What will they say about Culver City in 2040? Will they say Culver City has seen its better days? Or will they say Culver City had missed opportunities?
“Here is what I want to say: Culver City made the right, but hard, choices in the past. Its civic leaders chose fiscal responsibility , accountability and long-term gains over short term solutions and easy answers.
“By making these choices, we ensured that our community thrives and is prosperous. I want to say all these great things about the town I love.
“And that is why I am announcing my candidacy for City Council in 2010.”
Michael E. Whitaker, a Civil Service Commissioner who is co-chair of the Cooper campaign, offered this endorsement:
“I believe Jeff Cooper is precisely what Culver City needs. His combination of experience, financial background and common sense will be perfect for Culver City for the next four years. He will help guide Culver City toward the next few decades. Please join (honorary co-chair) Vicki Daly Redholtz and me in supporting Jeff Cooper for City Council.
“Jeff is what this city and the Council need at this time. He is a community leader who served 10 years as a City Commissioner, and he is not afraid to meet the challenges faced by our city.”
School Board member Scott Zeidman is honorary Co-Chair of the Campaign.
Laura Stuart also is co-chair of the campaign.
For sheer happiness, Mr. Cooper’s wife Rafia and their daughters, Rhianna and Alyssa the upbeat candidate’s trademark smile.
Among the 30 people in attendance were former Mayor Alan Corlin, Jeff Gillette, Don Chandler, Earl Eskridge, Ted and Shelle Blaisdell, Commissioner Rick Hudson, Paul and Elaine Struhl, former Commissioner Jeanette James, Commissioner Ronnie Jayne, Bill Wynn, Fran and Rich Kissel, and former Commissioner Mike Snell.
Mr. Whitaker may be contacted at whitakerm@ca.rr.com
