Second of two parts
Re “A Pedersen No-Confidence Vote Is Due”
Police Chief Don Pedersen, awaiting the outcome of a police union no-confidence vote tomorrow morning, is expected to do the majority of the talking later this afternoon when he huddles with the City Council, Interim City Manager and others in a closed session before the 7 o’clock Council meeting.
It is believed — more accurately, speculated — that the well-liked, congenial chief, in an unambiguously supportive setting, will map out a graphic, fairly detailed account of his accomplishments throughout four-year tenure.
Still to be determined is whether the putative rebellion is localized or wider spread. Police Officers Assn. sources, according to sources, are uncertain themselves how strong their backing is for the no-confidence vote planned for 9 a.m. at the American Legion.
Everybody will be entering virgin territory when they proceed into a room behind the dais in Council Chambers just ahead of the dinner hour.
It may be the first time it has occurred in Culver City history. Such an act would have been unthinkable during the 28 years retired Chief Ted Cooke mercurially soared from another chief to The Legend.
From the City Manager’s Chair, Lamont Ewell, who only met Mr. Pedersen 90 days ago, has strongly endorsed the chief’s managerial and administrative skills.
“I talk to officers on the street two or three times a week,” Mr. Ewell told the newspaper. “They tell me he is night and day” compared to Mr. Cooke, “whom I never have met and do not know anything about. The officers I talk to praise Don for being much more open and for his professionalism.”
Between civil service regulations and probable unanimous support from the five-member City Council, his hiring bosses, Mr. Pedersen’s status is unlikely to be imperiled, however the vote turns out.
But, as one adversary said: How will the line look on his resume, “Survived no-confidence vote”?
