Bypassing the candidate more commonly associated with Culver City, Mayor Alan Corlin announced this morning he is supporting Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks in the June 2 election to replace long-serving County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke.
“I honestly believe Bernie Parks is a winner,” Mr. Corlin said, “and I want to back a winner.
“His commitment to local government is beyond reproach.
“His devotion to detail is remarkable.
“He has a grasp of local issues that directly affect Culver City. This is reflected in the fact that Yvonne and (L.A. City Councilman) Herb Wesson — both of whom are highly thought of by the people of Culver City —are endorsing him.”
A Veteran at Competing
Mr. Parks is no stranger to seeking office.
He has run for three different jobs in the last four years — even though he has spent most of his adult life, 38 years, with the LAPD.
He faces off against state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Culver City).
During the last two years, Mayor Corlin has gained a closeup view of Mr. Parks, the ousted former LAPD Chief, while working together on the mostly unglamourous details of bringing light rail to Culver City.
Making a Choice
Perhaps the mayor provided the strongest insight into his choice of candidates when he said of the soft-spoken 64-year-old Mr. Parks:
“I can’t think of anyone who would better represent the people of Culver City in the County Supervisor’s office.”
While Mayor Corlin declined to discuss the candidacy of Mr. Parks’ opponent, Sen. Ridley-Thomas has been regarded, at least nominally, as Culver City’s hometown entry in the County Supervisor’s race.
Mr. Parks, by contrast, never has been identified with Culver City.
