Long before the sleepy-eyed City Council adjourned at 12:30 this morning, a keen and unusual wave of disappointment rolled across Council Chambers.
Perhaps the most personalized item on last night’s agenda was the intended selection of Culver City first poet laureate.
Councilperson Meghan Sahli-Wells nominated Dr. Janet Hoult, a popular choice who just completed her second book of poetry.
New Mayor Mehaul O’Leary, who had been commended in a poetic composition by Dr. Hoult, gave the second.
The doomed plan landed like a steaming pancake on a block of ice.
Vice Mayor Andy Weissman explained how and why intentions were derailed.
“Some people were prepared to anoint Janet as the poet laureate,” he said. “They would bypass the Cultural Affairs Commission and a nomination process entirely.”
Mr. Weissman stepped in because “I did not hear any reason why we needed a poet laureate, particularly why at this meeting.
“Materials provided to us indicated that this was something desired by the Centennial Committee to have Centennial poetry celebrating our centennial.”
Why are we involved? Mr. Weissman wondered.
“If the Centennial Committee believes it needs a poet laureate, the vice mayor said, “the committee is a separate 501(c)3 corporation. They can do it themselves.
“If we are going to make a determination on whether to have a poet laureate, it is appropriate for the Cultural Affairs Commission, which has responsibility for literary arts, to consider the matter and make recommendations (to the City Council) one way of the other,” Mr. Weissman said.
“If we determine it is appropriate to create this honorary position, the community ought to be advised.”
Anyone interested should be advised to apply, he said.
At the end, the nomination of a poet laureate was sent to the Cultural Affairs Commission for their consideration.
“I don’t think we should just presume no one else in the community is qualified,” Mr. Weissman said.
