First of two parts
Characterizing Culver City politics: Ignorance, greed and stupidity.
Culver City politics is similar to that in most other communities, consisting of ignorance and greed. But Culver City adds another element to the mix, stupidity. Before I get accused of calling anyone stupid, “Stupid is as stupid does.”
In Culver City, there are, basically, two power player families. They are not on par with the Mafia, but they weld considerable influence on who is selected in the local elections. Only about 10 percent of the population votes, these two families control about 9 percent of the votes. Power shifts between 5 percent and 4 percent to each family. If you look at the last City Council and School Board selections, you will note that the difference between the two top vote getters was close (exclude incumbents).
The City Council loathes the School Board. “Keeping an Eye on OurDollars as They Are Wheeled Away”
As a matter of fact, in Culver City, there is tension between almost everyone.
The C.C. Police Officers Assn. voted no-confidence in the Chief.
The C.C. Federation of Teachers sued the School Board. “Teachers Union Files Against the School District Cites Gourley Move”
I attended one School Board meeting where there was tension openly displayed with one member toward another (more like disrespect). The Board President openly accused the Teachers Union of not dealing in good faith (of course the Teachers Union rep was not present).
The previous City Council out-maneuvered the chair of mayor from one termed out member. “Weissman Outflanks Silbiger in Dramatic Advance to the Mayor's Chair”
City Council sues Community College. Only in Culver City. Councils sue PXP oil company cost at least $1 million and climbing. “Toting up the Costs of Taking West LA College to Court”
School Bond Measure Gets Key Support in Culver City Oct. 31, 1996.
The passage of a $40-million Culver City bond measure designed to rescue the School District's deteriorating buildings. http://articles.latimes.com/school-bond-measure
“The physical plants of virtually all the schools are really in deplorable conditions. The conditions are getting to the point that the band-aid measures taken by the School District aren't making it. We're really at a critical point.” Dejavu. Five years earlier, Culver City voters defeated a $98 parcel tax that would have supplemented the School District's operating budget.
“$5 to $7 million of that restricted bond measure cash, depending upon who you ask, has been sitting in reserve for years while each School Board is paralyzed with fear about the estimated $30K monthly cost of operation of the renovated Natatorium. Meanwhile, the reserve is generating approximately $165K annually in interest. Where does that cash go?”
Back in the days when the School Board and City Council worked together for the good of the community, the city supplemented the School District. When times got lean in the early 90’s the city abandoned the School District and things have never been the same.
http://culvercity.patch.com/articles/citizens-to-decide-future-of-natatorium Natatorium anyone? School Board still trying to figure out how to get access to the $6 million restricted generating annually $165K interest. The two senior Board members were freshman when the Natatorium issue was discussed by the previous Board.
Has any sitting or previous Board member even been inside the Natatorium? It continues to be neglected and unprotected. Just more talk as usual. “Abram's Excellent Adventure Inside the Long Closed Natatorium”
(To be concluded tomorrow)
