Organizers Bonnie and Matt Seeberger hoped their campaign kick-off for Meghan Sahli-Wells’s re-election run for City Council would attract enough people to justify all the planning and preparation they put into it.
They figured their house could comfortably fit 60 people. But there was no way of knowing how many would attend.
The couple was surprised when an unexpected crowd of well over 100 supporters filled their home on Hepburn Circle, and spilled out onto the sidewalk.
“We knew Meghan’s support was strong,” said Bonnie Seeberger.
“It was really gratifying to see this incredible turn-out on a Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a testament to the appreciation many of us have for Meghan’s first term in office. Her time has been marked by a succession of effective initiatives for improving life in Culver City.”
Ms. Sahli-Wells is running for one of three City Council seats open in the April 12 election.
The event was emceed by John Flynn, Downtown Neighborhood Assn. chair and a longtime supporter.
Mr. Flynn introduced a series of speakers describing Ms. Sahli-Wells’s hard-working, hands-on approach to governing, her ability to collaborate and find common ground, and her willingness to respect the opinions of all residents.
State Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Culver City/Creshaw District) spoke about partnering with Ms. Sahli-Wells on a number of successful efforts. Other speakers included Los Angeles Community College District Trustee Sydney Kamlager and Dr. David Haake, Chair of Sierra Club’s West Los Angeles Group, who emphasized Ms. Sahli-Wells’s stellar environmental record.
Former School Board President Nancy Goldberg spoke about Ms. Sahli-Wells’s commitment to make Culver City the best place to raise kids. Dr. Janet Hoult, Culver City’s Honorary Artist Laureate, read an inspiring poem in support of the candidate.
Also present were Council colleague Jim Clarke and School Board member Dr. Kelly Kent, as well as several former elected officials, and current and former city commissioners. Ms. Sahli-Wells has received the endorsement of the entire City Council, U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, the Sierra Club, several School Board members, and has gained strong support from the community at-large.
When it was her time to speak, Ms. Sahli-Wells noted achievements in her first term on the Council, including a municipal fibre network for Culver City businesses and schools, and a budget surplus for city government despite the state’s elimination of redevelopment funds.
“We have gone from dipping into the reserve to meeting and exceeding our reserve targets,” she told the crowd. “Now we are investing that money in key infrastructure: from tree trimming, sidewalk and street repairs to police dashboard cameras, and improved training facilities for our firefighters.”
Ms. Sahli-Wells also stressed the varied housing challenges facing the community, and the importance of transportation and safety issues, water conservation and sustainability efforts.
For information on Ms. Sahli-Wells’s campaign, see www.vote4meghan.com.
Mr. Klein may be contacted at James@JamesKlein.com
