It probably figures that business owner Göran Eriksson’s election to the City Council in Tuesday would be ignored until the second day.
Opponents whose lone mission was to level him had their task complicated by Mr. Eriksson’s sterling bona fides as an environmentalist.
Owner of a gifted intellect, his CV resisted easy labeling.
The convenience of knocking him as a business owner – therefore, a presumed anti-populist – was at least neutralized by his right-sounding positions on climate change and the environment. Swedish-born, Mr. Eriksson, a fellow Democrat, further frustrated leftist critics with his faultless eloquence.
Painted as a liability to “the people” because of his prominent association with the business-centric Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Eriksson won the third and last seat on the City Council.
While incumbent Meghan Sahli-Wells ran away with the election, by a 1,000-vote margin, Mr. Eriksson was 124 votes behind runnerup Thomas Small and 223 ahead of fourth-place Daniel Lee.
Surrounded by jubilant supporters in the ornate lobby of The Culver Hotel, the avuncular Mr. Eriksson assumed the position of a proud papa.
“It’s a great feeling,” said the chair of the Finance Advisory Committee. “We did a fantastic campaign, and the rest of Culver City recognized that I have something to contribute to the Council. I appreciate that.
“I think voters saw me as a very balanced guy, and as someone who is capable of understanding the different needs of people.”
How confident was Mr. Eriksson going into Election Day?
“Oh, you can never be confident,” he said. “I had no idea.”
Business and the environment, these days, are not a common pairing.
Was Mr. Eriksson’s balanced message the key determinant in his victory?
“I think so,” he said, adding importantly, “we didn’t run any negative campaigning.
“People in the city did. That is their choice.
“I didn’t want to do that because I wanted to sleep at night.”
Without naming the culprits, “you can read their Facebook pages, their blogs.”
While conceding “most of it was nice,” Mr. Eriksson promised “to deal with that at a later date.
“I will set the record straight” – with the time to be determined.
It should be clear to anyone following the campaign that a third place finish just in front of a far less well-know Mr. Lee should send a message to Mr. Eriksson that it is not the record that needs to be set straight but a new direction on the City Council that needs to be achieved. Let’s hope Mr. Eriksson demonstrates that he is indeed the balanced council member that his promises assert. All of us will be watching.
All of us will be watching, not just those who want to throw stones. Mr. Erickson will be an asset and a voice of reason on the council. Looking forward to the swearing in ceremony where the community will come together in peace.
Hi!
While Goran Eriksson’s “setting the record straight,” and — since you brought it up — would he confirm he’s a “fellow Democrat”? He declined declaring an affiliation during his City Council bid, and he supported a Republican presidential candidate in the current race. Thanks!
Dear Nadine: Please get your facts straight before smearing a council member. Jeez. I think Jamie said it well in her response.
Laura Stuart — Wow. Is asking if someone is Republican, based on their political contribution, “smearing?”
That was not your question or intent.
It WAS the question, Laura (While Goran Eriksson’s “setting the record straight,” and — since you brought it up — would he confirm he’s a “fellow Democrat”? )
Regarding my intent? OMG, Laura! You should set up a booth at your Centennial festival where you read minds! (Alas, your post proves you won’t always be right, but you could sure try, and make people believe you with the force of your personality).
Love, Nadine
Dearest Nadine – I read tarot cards. Much more accurate. Please visit my booth at Fiesta. Love, Laura
Last time I checked , our council elections are “non-partisan” so why does that matter? Only the Democrat Club insists on partisanship.