Re “Which One Was Marilyn? Which One Was Weissman?”
Making the rounds of the hundreds of smiling partygoers under a huge white tent during the recent Culver Studios’ fundraiser for City Councilman Andy Weissman, running for a second term, what may have been most striking was how closely his supporters monitor his public performances.
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A team that sometimes travels with Mr. Weissman when he campaigns. From left, Goran Eriksson, Jozelle Smith, Grace Elliott, Rick Hudson, Dan Gallagher, Scott Wyant.
Hometown residents have authentic affection for a city servant many have known the majority of their lives.
Said fellow attorney John Kuechle:
“Andy is the best thing that has happened to the Culver City City Council in a long time.
“Not only does he almost always make the right decisions, his demeanor is so perfect. One of the things he talked about four years ago was bringing civility back to the City Council.
“He has done such a good job of it achieving that goal that people appreciate how much of a change he has made. It is hard to remember how unpleasant it was then and how they actually talk to each other now.
“This Council occasionally will come to better decision because they are actually able to talk to each other.
“Part of the credit goes to the group that is there because they would be civil regardless. But Andy has had an influence over and above that. Andy’s presence is a huge advantage for the city, particularly with the end of the Redevelopment Agency, leaving us to make difficult financial decisions.”
Goran Eriksson, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce:
“When you look around and see all the people who came tonight, it should be obvious why I am here.
“We appreciate what Andy has done on the Council. He has been a calming force, and that is important. He is very clear about where he wants to go.”
Mobile home activist Frank Campagna:
“Andy obviously is the leader of the pack, okay? When Redevelopment crashed, he was the only guy on the City Council who came out with a public notice, with information for the community. Nobody else did.
“Andy is a leader because he anticipates. He does his homework. He is prepared for every meeting.
“Have you seen his latest release? He always beats the crowd. He is thinking of solutions as soon as there is a problem. That is called leadership.”
Chamber of Commerce President Steve Rose, former Councilman, who could not resist an opening jab:
“Andy bribed me to show up for the sake of his image.”
Turning serious:
“Andy is and was one of the most qualified people to run and serve on the City Council in my 60-odd years in Culver City.
“I think his lack of hair and lack of stature are two of his most outstanding qualities.
“Andy has a keen analytic mind that gets right to the crux of the issue. He has become influential on the Council by being an honest, straight talker.”
(To be continued)
