Second in a series
Re “Why Siever Told Taylor, ‘You Have to Run’”
[img]2100|right|Vernon Taylor||no_popup[/img]The banker Vernon Taylor probably has been the least seen School Board candidate on the hustings this season. This makes his audiences even hungrier for more of the appealing proprietary tone that invades his oratory.
Among the seven contenders racing for three seats in the election three weeks from today, Mr. Taylor, perhaps more than his rivals, makes listeners feel that he is the lucky person to be among them, instead of the reverse.
“I am truly honored to be in the presence of so many people who have made great strides in the history of Culver City,” he told a meet ‘n greet crowd on Sunday afternoon at the Blair Hills home of hostess Mary Ann Greene.
Standing near him, you did not doubt the sincerity of his unfettered greeting.
He wheeled effortlessly through his standard stump speech. Spotting personalities he recognized in the Greene living room, Mr. Taylor turned first to Rick Tuttle, City Controller of Los Angeles (1985-2001) at the end of the late century.
Next he recognized former School Board member Saundra Davis, the first black candidate to be elected to any office in Culver City.
“She has come out on my behalf,” Mr. Taylor said. “Believe me, having conversations with her, I still am shaking. I want to make sure I have everything right and that I say it the right way. Her concerns are my concerns.”
[img]737|left|Prof. Siever||no_popup[/img]To his right sat Prof. Patricia Siever, who said she convinced Mr. Taylor to run for her chair on the School Board because she wanted someone who shares her values.
“Pat’s concerns are my concerns,” the candidate said.
Scanning the large room, Mr. Taylor said that “if you are a parent, your concerns are mine.
“All three of my children went through Culver City schools,” a point that he continually pounds home to audiences.
“I am a public school kid myself.”
Still gazing eastward, “I graduated from the school right down there, Dorsey High,” just blocks from the neighborhood where he was standing as symbol of professional and civic success. “And Foshay Junior High,” igniting whoops and cheers for both campuses.
Not until he finished speaking and asked for questions did the temperature in the room begin to rise.
(To be continued)
