Five days before the filing deadline for the City Council election on April 10, the ground beneath the contenders is starting to move.
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First Dropout
Before the community had a chance to get to know him, Seth Weiner, the youngest and newest challenger for the four open seats, declared his uncandidacy, to coin an exit term.
Mr. Weiner told the newspaper:
“I have been in debate about going forward with my candidacy, and I have decided that it is not the right time for me to run.”
He Is Staying
Councilman Andy Weissman, one of two incumbents competing, has launched his campaign website — WeissmanforCouncil.com
It is an interactive site where the first-term Councilman shares his views on the issues.
New and Old
Meanwhile, Scott Malsin, an old friend to many, made his first public statements since taking out papers earlier this month in a bid to reclaim a seat on the City Council a month after submitting his transitory resignation.
More than any of his once and future(?) playmates on the Council, Mr. Malsin moves about the community with a flourish.
He issued the following 200-word statement yesterday afternoon:
“Throughout the last several weeks, I have spoken to a great number of community members about Culver City's future. People are worried, and for good reason.
“Our community is facing enormous challenges, all the more so in the wake of the demise of our Redevelopment Agency. What will this mean for our schools, for building projects such as Parcel B in Downtown Culver City, and for our city's much-envied cultural affairs programming? With continued state and national budget uncertainty, we need to focus on our city's financial health with laser-like intensity.
“When I say to you I can help us overcome these issues, you know you can count on it. I've been doing the type of work necessary to overcome challenges such as these for the past six years. I understand the tools the city has, I understand how to use them, and because of my experience I will hit the ground running.
“I have been dedicated to serving Culver City for 20 years. I retired in December 2011 to protect the healthcare coverage the city offered to my wife and daughter. Now I can get back to work. The unique skills and knowledge I bring to the table are what Culver City needs most now.”
A headline in Mr. Malsin’s press statement says 200 community members have endorsed him, including once and future (?) Council colleague Jeff Cooper, former Mayors Dick Brundo, Alan Corlin, David Hauptman, Paul Jacobs, state Sen. Curren D. Price Jr. (D-Culver City) and County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
He also lists his qualifications:
Elected to the City Council in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, Scott Malsin has proven that leadership can make a difference. He has been a champion for public safety, recreational opportunities, intelligent planning and the environment. He has earned a reputation for responsiveness to his constituents. He has demonstrated his dedication to the city's long-term financial sustainability and has been a powerful voice for Culver City in the region and beyond.
Scott's positive influence can be seen on many critical municipal projects, such as the renovation of Westfield Culver City, the new Expo Line Aerial Station and our community-building Park Enhancement Program grants.
Mr. Malsin will host a fundraiser in a month, on Saturday, Feb. 18.
