One of a series.
Speaking of his term-limits-driven retirement following the April 12 City Council election, Vice Mayor Andy Weissman, eminently quotable even in the middle of the night, made his least surprising observation.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the community service aspect,” he said as more than 30 years in City Hall near an end.
“I spend quite a bit of time dealing on behalf of constituents as well as dealing with staff on issues of policy.”
No denizen of City Hall in modern times has spoken with greater clarity and succinctness.
No one ever must inquire “what did he mean by that?” or “what does that phrase mean?”
Reasons there may not be another Andy Weissman, a rare bird:
- He never has strode within 50 miles of losing his temper or raising his voice. Does anyone recall the last time Mr. Weissman even was stern? Sure, he is faster with a quip than anyone elected in decades. Put that in context, though. He is stonily serious at every proper moment
- He is a two-legged history of Culver City politics, then and now. It is impossible to outprepare him. When he leaves, a treasury of institutional memory will evaporate.
Technically, this enforced next step is not a traditional retirement. By the city charter, Mr. Weissman may sit for two years and re-run for office.
A warning:
He could be a cinch for re-election — although voters and the rhythms of the times both change.
Lincoln, Washington and FDR all could lose elections these days.
Culver City political comebacks have fallen far short of stellar.
