[img]2283|right|Jeff Cooper||no_popup[/img]Only recently has it occurred how closely Mayor Jeff Cooper, in temperament, resembles my late brother. Hizzoner, difficult to ruffle, takes life as it comes, and so did my brother. Both are splendid models for the virtue of being phlegmatic. In the 56 years my brother was allotted, I remember only a single instant when he unfurled his temper.
At last Monday’s packed City Council meeting, Mr. Cooper snapped at the crowd one time, threatening eviction. It is the only time I have seen him flare.
Seems that numerous participants at last Wednesday’s Democratic Club meeting were angered by the conduct of the meeting, the final scores and several details.
The man who may have had the strongest case for being at least miffed, if not furious, was Hizzoner.
As one of two incumbents in the April 8 election, Mr. Cooper ran a distant third, a healthy dozen votes shy of the endorsement threshold.
My obvious post-vote question was:
Are you more surprised or disappointed by the outcome?
His reply was golden, the envy of every hot-tempered politician:
“Neither actually.
“I went into the Democratic Club with very realistic expectations. I was pleased with the opportunity to speak to the membership.
“I am happy to have had the support of 23 voting members.
“I am most proud to have received the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.”
There goes a gentleman whose attitude subtlely but surely enriches our lives when we are in his presence.
Losing the Dem Club’s endorsement, a handy but hardly crucial boost, is not a recipe for defeat.
Evidence that he ain’t doomed: Twice-elected City Councilman Andy Weissman also was denied the Dem Club’s certificate of excellence.
