The four candidates for the City Council had their first Candidates’ Forum yesterday morning for the Chamber of Commerce.
I assume I was not endorsed — because I haven't been contacted and because I am somewhat of a maverick in this political race.
For readers, I present my opening statement. I will let you be the judge if I should become a City Council member:
“My name is Robert Zirgulis, and I’m running for office because I want to stop the present City Council from wasting our taxpayer money.
“The city has a $6 million deficit. It is spending money like a drunken sailor on top-heavy bureaucrats, and on personal and frivolous lawsuits.
“I want to bring innovative, problem-solving solutions to the budget crisis that threatens the viability of our city government.
“Some of the issues I want to address are reduction of traffic fines and elimination of photo enforcement speed traps at intersections.
“Last year the city handed out $2,500,000 in parking tickets and issued $5,600,000 for traffic violations and photo speed traps.
“You know how much the city got?
“It got 50 percent! It gave a company called Turbo Data over $4 million for collecting the money from hapless motorists.
“Why can’t the city renegotiate collection fees and pay an entrepreneur, let’s say, $1 million for collection and split the $3 million savings by putting $1.5 million in the General Fund and reducing fines by $1.5 million.
“I think the city is spending way too much money — $2,340,000, in fact, on the City Attorney's office.
“The City Attorney’s office is contracting out legal consultants to stop environmentally safe oil drilling at the tune of $1 million on the grounds of public health and safety.
“Meanwhile the city is collecting over $200,000 a year from existing oil wells operating in Culver City. Doesn’t it seem hypocritical that the city is collecting $200,000, then spending more than $1million to stop oil drilling?
“I have proposed that the city allow environmentally safe oil drilling to proceed, and increase royalties from 1.8 percent to 6 percent. The added revenue to the city could be as high as $6 million a year. Enough to cover the deficit.
“My academic qualifications include Master of Science in business, CSUN, Bachelor of Arts in Public Service, UCLA, and certificated substitute teacher for the Culver City Unified School District.
“I also have entrepreneurial skills, having run a $4 million business in the past. I also have negotiating skills, developed as a realtor.
“I'm an independent Democrat, beholden to no one. I have an open mind, and I am open to ideas that work.
“I have lived and worked in Culver City since 1984.”
Mr. Zirgulis may be contacted at zirgulisr@yahoo.com
