Election of new city leadership was so formful at last evening’s City Council meeting one would have thought it had been pre-arranged.
Which it was.
Drama has been drained from the every-April elections for mayor and vice mayor ever since the Council conservatively decided a few years ago to outlaw wounded feelings and order that every member deserves a turn in Hizzoner’s chair.
When the team of Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells and Vice Mayor Mehaul O’Leary unanimously was elected last April, everyone knew that Mr. O’Leary would be elevated to mayor last evening.
But when Andy Weissman was elected vice mayor, he will not be promoted next year because he is entering his final 12 months on the Council.
As a courtesy, Jim Clarke, who yearns to be mayor next year in time for Culver City’s Centennial celebration, nominated Mr. Weissman.
Mr. O’Leary also is going into his last year on the dais before term limits claim the whole leadership team.
The team of Sahli-Wells and O’Leary got away to a rocky beginning last spring, going bumpity-bump over several early issues.
By last evening, all of that was in the distant past.
Turning toward her successor, Ms. Sahli-Wells addressed him:
“It is going to be a great pleasure to have you as our mayor, especially right now with your interest in water,” she said.
“These are crucial and critical moments for action throughout the state. You have taken your role on a state level very seriously. It is exactly the type of leadership we need right now for Culver City. Good luck, and I look forward to celebrating a great year with you.”
Mr. O’Leary handed plaudits back to the new ex-mayor. “I knew there was a leader in you, and it came out. It blossomed even at times when we disagreed. I felt comfortable that in those disagreements, you made me understand your position better than I thought I knew it.”
Looking up and down the dais, the Irishman thanked his colleagues “for your confidence in choosing me as your next mayor.”
Not that they had a choice.
“I know there is a rotation policy,” Mayor O’Leary said. “We still have to vote on it, and that can always change. I will honor that confidence. I hope to make you and the residents proud of me in the role as mayor.”
He concluded with a chuckle.
“I did have a lengthy speech to go through,” he said. “But I left it at home.” As a paused, applause rose.
“I just got a text from a local Irish pub,” said the departing owner of Joxer Daly’s pub. “They have found it, and I can just do it there. So if anyone wants to catch that speech, join us there.”
In Full Bloom
Community activist Marta Zaragoza crowned the occasion by presenting Mr. O’Leary with a bouquet of roses.
