Basically, I was recruited into politics.
Always felt that politicians were sleazy. Not all, most.
More than two years ago it was suggested by a teacher that I consider running for the School Board.
My first reaction was NO.
I wanted no parts of politics. Several other teachers approached me with the idea, and I was smitten.
Involved already, Culver City Educational Foundation 2009 Linwood E. Howe “Volunteer of the Year,” running for school board might not be so bad. (1)
Was “ambushed” by C.C. Democratic Club (2) and was soundly defeated by the “Machine.”
Managed to get almost 500 votes (3) without any local (“machine- controlled” ) printed newspaper media exposure and not a single yard sign or flyer. (4)
Learned about politics, Culver City- style. MANIPULATION and DECEPTION.
Culver City politics is similar to that in most other communities, consisting of selfishness, ignorance and greed. But Culver City adds another element to the mix, stupidity. Before I get accused of calling anyone stupid, “Stupid is as stupid does.” (5)
In Culver City, there is tension between almost everyone.
1. C.C. Police Officers Assn. voted no-confidence in the Chief.
2. Previous City Council out-maneuvered chair of mayor from one termed-out member.
3. City Council sues WLA College.
4. Attorney Board member vs. School District Superintendent.
5. City Council dba CRA despises School Board.
6. C.C. Federation of Teachers vs. School Board.
7. At one School Board meeting there was tension openly displayed with one Board member toward another (more like disrespect).
Attorney Board President openly accused the Teachers Union of not dealing in good faith (of course, the Teachers Union rep was not present).
8. At a different meeting, another attorney Board member accused Teachers Union president of “not telling the truth” (a liar). It appears, he was 100 percent correct and she was completely wrong. (6)
9. At still another Board meeting, the Teachers Union president was called a liar in public by attorney member and was denied an opportunity to defend his honor, while the four remaining Board members (including incumbent President attorney Zeidman) sat by in total silence. (See the video)L(7)
Back to my early eye-popping experience:
Board member attorney Zeidman emailed a questionnaire for all candidates to be answered at the first forum presented at El Marino School.
I suggested that it include a written response by present Board members as well as candidates to get a glimpse of each person’s thought process.
Politics in Culver City is controlled by two families. It wasn’t long before the “MACHINE” got into gear. (Coined by Mr. “Z,” Robert Zirgulis.) Immediately attacked as an attempt to overthrow the format by “Machine’s” attorney candidate.
Mr. Dave Mielke (CFT) described me as unsophisticated , but his heart was in the right place. Must admit it he was right-on back then (but a difference two years make). Grateful for the CFT support.
Naïve, but not stupid. Protecting my ideas from being “claim-jumped” by any of the others, including the sitting Board members. Did not participate in that first forum.
During the Bush-Cheney years, renounced my Democratic status as a protest.
Was persuaded to resume Democratic status (signed up day of event) to participate in another forum present by C.C. Democrat Club for endorsement of three spots. Four candidates. Three in, one out, you would think.
This forum allowed three minutes for each candidate’s introduction. Winged it (spoke from the heart). Mentioned about how government had money for bailouts, wars, but no money for kids. Surely was angry at the government.
Three minutes may seem like a lot of time, but when you are being timed you realize how brief it can be.
States his well-connected endorsers, impressive credentials, a Masters and two Bachelor degrees, all in Education, attended School Board meetings, v. p. of (this) Democratic Club. How he has many solutions to remedy budget crises. Make schools green, better utilize school facilities, and rent them out. Combine city and District facilities
Looking over at a beaming Mr. Gary Silbiger and wondered how a parent would allow his kid (27) to make all those promises that he had no way to fulfill. (Both parents are professional politicians.)
Now it’s a very caring and concerned attorney mom, single parent with twins’, turn. Takes 15 sec to state her credentials and her experience to handle budget crises, caring about public education and that all children deserve a learning environment that provides a solid educational experience…
Because of a “unique combination” of experiences, attended public school, K-12, first in family to get college degree, first to become attorney. Skills: Professional, manager and lawyer. Have experience to take on tough challenges our School District is facing in this economic climate.
Have a track record as a problem-solver and “consensus” builder (follower).
Attorney Gourley leads, I follow (blindly).
Mr. “Z” spends his 3 mins trying to explain that he is being attacked and he will never personally attack anyone. Stop! Not one word about oil.
Anyway, the Club endorsed its two members only, Attorney Kathy Paspalis and V.P. prodigy Karlo Silbiger. (Managed to get 17 out of 52 votes though). Not one but “TWO” Democrats left hanging.
This time around, the forums should be interesting for sure. Incumbent attorney Board President and Democrat Club member should be a bit concerned.
(2). http://www.thefrontpageonline.com/new/articles1-6439/FromtheHeartofGaryAbrams
(3) http://www.thefrontpageonline.com/new/articles1-6783/WhatILearnedasaCandidate
(4). http://www.thefrontpageonline.com/new/articles1-6635/OneCandidateallsFighttoGetIntoPrintBeforeItIsTooLate
(5) http://www.thefrontpageonline.com/new/articles1-8507/ASlightlySkepticalPerspectiveontheCommunity
(6) http://www.thefrontpageonline.com/new/articles1-9362/MielkeWeinerandPeopleWhoAreNotAlwaysRightButPickyPicky
Mr. Abrams may be contacted at gabrams@ca.rr.com
