Two weeks from tonight, City Councilman Mehaul O’Leary is scheduled to make his victorious return to the dais one month after a fight with a customer at his Irish pub at the end of a Saturday evening sent him to the hospital for a week.
Broken bones in his face surgically repaired, Mr. O’Leary tentatively ventured into the public arena at high noon on Saturday.
Low-key and impersonal.
His timing probably was excellent — out in the wide open spaces with no more than three dozen residents present.
He kept to himself.
From just a glance at his uniquely Irish mug, it was evident that Mr. O’Leary, as a pugilist, no longer was undefeated.
He strode into roomy Vets Park for the formal opening of the Fiesta La Ballona community celebration, and just like that, he was back in public life.
Predictions are nearlyunanimous — so far — that neither Mr. O’Leary’s budding political career (he is in the second year of his first 4-year term) nor his reputation will be adversely affected by the past or future events.
Those forecasts could change in September if the District Attorney files charges against the alleged initiator/assailant.
While not only Mr. O’Leary but the rest of the City Council are on sabbatical until Monday, Sept.14, veteran observers around City Hall expect the owner of Joxer Daly’s to make a seamless return to political life.
No blowback is anticipated from a nasty dispute that arose at closing time at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, between Robert Anthony Singerman, 28, described as an occasional customer, and Mr. O’Leary.
A single punch was launched, by Mr. Singerman, landing near Mr. O’Leary’s still recuperating right eye — and nearly everything else from that early morning seems to be contested by the opposing sides.
But some City Hall insiders said that if charges are brought against Mr. Singer — presumed to be assault with a deadly weapon — the ongoing saga, the tellings and retellings of what happened that night, could work to Mr. O’Leary’s detriment.
Meanwhile, this part of the world is waiting for the D.A. to make a call.
