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Only 7 meetings into the first term of three members of the City Council, and already they are grating on each other’s nerves.
By midnight on Monday, their seams were gaping, almost defying re-stitching.
Memorably, Mayor Scott Malsin giggled, noticeably, over a serious remark by Vice Mayor Gary Silbiger, and Mr. Silbiger retorted with fire, which was understandable.
Remember what we used to say about the previous City Council? Their reunion would have to be held in five widely spaced locations. Such was their distaste for each other.
This gang may not survive long enough on the dais to qualify for a reunion.
Vera Stalks Out
I recall a Monday night perhaps four or five years ago when an infuriated Albert Vera stormed off the dais in mid-meeting. This Council is a threat to surpass that act for sheer theatrics.
If they can’t keep a lid on for two months, this will be, as we said in the ‘60s, a long and steamy summer. It’s still 22 months until the next election, when Mr. Silbiger will be ousted by term limits and Mr. Malsin will be tested for re-election.
I am happy for Mr. Silbiger that he won a major personal victory on Monday when a local animal control officer was approved — triumphs have been sparse. The main reason his agenda has flopped is Mr. Silbiger’s stubbornness. The Council, he says, must accept his proposition the way he phrased it or he will go down in flames. I have been reading by the light of that fire for six years.
He and his very loyal followers deserve more.
Two days later, the exaggerated importance of this item still amazes me. Maybe there was a Christmas when you wanted a little red wagon but, instead, your parents bought the right front wheel for you. Unless you are more imaginative than I, the wheel is useless without the rest of the wagon.
Same here. Without an animal shelter in Culver City, these guys can hire the ghosts of Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Truman Capote, and the residents will not be a nickel better off than they were when a County officer was patrolling our town.
Mr. Silbiger and Councilman Chris Armenta rushed this item through the City Hall machinery this week at a near-record pace so that they would not have to count on four votes later to have such an officer approved. The fourth vote will not be available, unless Councilman Andy Weissman or Mayor Malsin leaves town.
Entitlement Rules
Monday night’s arrogant crowd in Council Chambers developed a predictable sense of entitlement the longer the contentious 4 1/2-hour debate over an animal control officer trudged along.
Entitlement turns nice people into boors. By the end of the meeting that lasted until 1:45, audience members were convinced they deserved a local officer because they had superior numbers.
Then who needs a City Council?
What these kinds of puffed-up people conveniently forget is that this is a representative democracy, not Mobtown where muscle rules.
The Council was elected to filter the wishes of the people through what each Councilman believes is best for Culver City — not the reverse. That is where populist-minded politicians most commonly go wrong.
