Martin Cole, the often jolly-looking, jolly-sounding erstwhile assistant city manager and (for public consumption) city clerk, may return to City Hall.
Don Trump may be the most popular president of the 21st century.
Mr. Cole’s vanquishment might have passed with sub-minimal notice if he had not been such a headline personality throughout the late City Council campaign.
He made news in early winter when he announced, with fanfare, that a non-human gimmick known as Birdie would keep reminding reticent Culver City voters that an April 12 election loomed.
Voters were invited to participate, and a reminder would be sent to their homes and Birdie was prominent on the city’s website.
For 11 years, the 49-year-old Mr. Cole has been a fixture at City Council meetings.
For 11 years, his sly humor has softly, agreeably trailed him, whether in private meetings or wide-audience occasions.
“A born performer” is the description he has heard every election cycle, one of his rare opportunities to rhetorically dance.
A few days ago, though, Mr. Cole’s considerable presence mysteriously disappeared.
Certain people were sworn to ambiguity and shoulder shrugging.
Yes, he was out as assistant city manager, it was admitted, while letting the question of his city clerk duties dangle.
He checked out after seeing Human Resources about a Workman’s Comp matter, curious people were told.
Will Mr. Cole return – before Mr. Trump outpolls Bill Clinton for popularity?
