Scott Malsin was given the first opportunity to direct a question to Mehaul. He asked what makes Mehaul think he is qualified to help run the "complicated" Culver City government. That was a fair question. But judging from Mr. Malsin’s tone, the question was designed to draw attention to what he perceives as Mehaul’s faults, not give Mehaul an opportunity to share his thoughts with the audience. Mehaul took it in stride. He readily agreed that he is not a member of the Culver City "political machine." He went on to explain how that doesn’t prevent him from doing the job of a Culver City Councilperson: listening to and representing the residents’ concerns.
If Mehaul doesn’t know how something works, he said, he will ask. The fact that he isn’t burdened by political baggage will allow him to bring a fresh, undaunted approach to problems. The audience clearly appreciated Mehaul’s honesty and the grace with which he handled that pointed question.
When Mr. Malsin and Vice Mayor Gary Silbiger asked questions of each other, they focused on past political decisions. The mood in the room was tense. Mr. Silbiger asked Mr. Malsin about his refusal to support an environmental impact report that Mr. Silbiger had supported. Mr. Malsin pushed Mr. Silbiger about his recent vote on RV parking. For candidates trying to improve Culver City’s future, they appear to be more concerned with the past.
Mehaul took a completely different approach. When it was Mehaul’s turn to ask a question of Mr. Silbiger, he smiled and inquired, "So, Gary, how’s your campaign going?" It was funny, and the audience laughed. Everyone could see that Mehaul was not trying to make light of the process. Rather, Mehaul simply had no interest in demeaning the other candidates. Nor was he afraid to let the other candidates share their views. He wants to gain votes because people trust him to do what is right for Culver City, not because he can make the other candidates look foolish.
Mehaul has repeatedly promised that, when elected on April 11, he will bring consensus, teamwork and civility back to the City Council. The other night, he demonstrated that he has the tools to accomplish that.
Joe Laska, Attorney, Culver City
