If you were casting for the role of mayor for a stage or film production, your talent scouts would guide you to the Downtown law offices of Andy Weissman, who announced this afternoon he is running for a second four-year term on the City Council.
The shock would have been if he had decided otherwise.
Fittingly, as the Papa Bear of the dais, Mr. Weissman is the first of at least three incumbents and probably four who will pursue re-election once the filing period opens four weeks from today, Monday, Dec. 19.
The City Council election is Tuesday, April 10.
He looks, acts, lives and loves the part of mayor/Councilman.
Mr. Weissman is so strongly regarded by colleagues that when he was elected in 2008, a veteran Councilmember who had been banking on the Mayor’s chair was bypassed, and the rookie with long life experience was voted into office.
There is no higher honor his colleagues could have given him.
Whether or not the Councilmen were saying, “You are our leader because of the mature judgment you have shown in other city offices,” Mr. Weissman has captained the team in a reflective, reserved, respected manner.
Meltdowns that were embedded in the personalities of previous Councils have been scarce with these five men, a tribute to the influence of the tone the unflappable Mr. Weissman established the first night in an understated manner.
“It really was not a difficult decision to run again,” Mr. Weissman told the newspaper. “I thoroughly enjoy working on behalf of the city. As a Council, we have done a pretty good job over the last four years.
“I believe I have made leadership and other contributions, to be able to do this for another four years.”
Imperturbable and calm though he may be, Mr. Weissman’s determination to prevail is as forceful as any flamboyant candidate.
“If one is going to run for office, you run to win,” he said. “You run a campaign that gets your message out, that gets your people motivated to turn out for you. I am running with the intention of winning, not expecting it will be easy. I am fully prepared to do whatever it takes.”
Mr. Weissman’s campaign issued the following announcement this afternoon:
“Four years ago, Culver City voters were kind enough to elect me to a seat on the City Council, and my term is now winding down.
“I am proud to be running for re-election in the April election, and I am certain that my experience, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of Culver City residents will serve me well. But I cannot take on this challenge alone. I will rely on your support, ideas, and resources to improve our city.
“I have worked hard to fulfill the commitment made four years ago to bring a different attitude to our public meetings, one that is respectful to all points of view, one that seeks to bring people together and achieve consensus on critical issues, by engaging in a decision-making process that includes listening, analyzing, questioning, balancing and, in the end, making choices in the best interests of Culver City.
“Despite the frustrations and challenges we face, I am proud of what I and my colleagues on the City Council have been able to achieve these past four years.
“I believe I have made a difference as a member of the City Council.”
Mr. Weissman’s campaign kickoff event is on Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 to 4 o’clock, at the home of Michael Whitaker and Darren Au, 10760 Molony Rd., Culver City.
RSVP to 310.839.5217 by Thursday, Dec. 8.
