I am happy to get the chance to vote for Scott Malsin for City Council in Tuesday’s election.
Like so many Culver City residents, I have come to know Scott as a persistent voice of reason on the Council, often placing himself between opposing forces to find the middle way that is best for Culver City. He has been tireless in finding new streams of revenue for our municipality without adopting a reckless pro-growth posture that would worsen local traffic and change the small town character of our city.
In an era of declining budgets and financial stress, it’s so important to have Mr. Malsin defending our interests, acting on our behalf and taking courageous positions. The best way to think about this election is to ask yourself if you love our city, if you like the way Culver City has grown and adapted, even in these economically difficult times. If the answer is yes, then you should re-elect Mr. Malsin for City Council.
Mr. Tobocman may be contacted at dtobocman@earthlink.net
We Don’t Always Agree, But Malsin’s Call Was the Right One
From Dean E. Gebroe, DVM
I support Scott Malsin.
In the 20 years I have lived in Culver City, I have gone from an employee with paid medical benefits to an employer, paying health insurance premiums for my employees and myself.
I have gone from a single man to a married man with two high school-age children.
I was probably more idealistic 20 years ago, so maybe back then I might have been more critical of Scott's decision to keep his medical benefits.
Not today.
When Scott put his personal life out for public scrutiny, I thought: What would I do under the same circumstances?
My medical history precludes me from obtaining a new health insurance policy, and a group policy might limit the quality of care my family and I have enjoyed.
Would I be willing to give it up?
Absolutely not.
Healthcare for my family and myself is non-negotiable. I have learned from personal experience that medical coverage is an extremely valuable asset. You do not have to look far to see how devastating an accident or illness can be for a family.
Scott and I may not see eye to eye on every issue. But if I were in his shoes, I would act as he did.
Furthermore, I admire his willingness to have an open dialogue with the community — even when it meant subjecting himself to public criticism.
He could have just retired, kept his insurance, and avoided public ridicule. Instead, he is willing to take one on the chin so that he can continue to advocate for us and for Culver City.
Scott has proven that he has the skill set, experience and wisdom to be a very strong advocate indeed. He’s a tough negotiator also — a valuable asset in these challenging economic times.
For all of these reasons, Scott Malsin has my vote on Tuesday. I hope he gets yours, too.
Dr. Gebroe may be contacted at thepetsvet@aol.com
I Am Involved Because of Malsin
From Evan Caplicki
I am writing to express my support of Scott Malsin for the City Council. I have known Scott for coming up on a decade now, and during that time he has consistently demonstrated how much he understands and cares for Culver City and its residents.
Scott also also possesses a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in running a successful, vibrant city. These attributes make him an excellent and effective Council member.
He has spent years dedicated to the city. He has been a driving force in the more than decade-long revitalization of the West side of Culver City, bringing the vibrancy enjoyed by Downtown and the East side to the rest of Culver City. Scott has solicited and involved others to be active with and serve the city.
I am now a far more active and involved citizen because of Scott. Many of my neighbors are the same way. Scott has brought us together to make our city a better place.
Scott is dedicated to Culver City and highly qualified for City Council. That is why I am voting for him on Tuesday.
Mr. Caplicki may be contacted at ecaplicki@yahoo.com
Endorsing My Once and Future Colleague
From Jeffrey Cooper
I support Scott Malsin for City Council.
I have worked with him as a fellow Councilmember on many important issues.
He has done an excellent job and has served the city well. His dedication and attention to detail on many complex issues has contributed greatly to making Culver City what it is today, a safe, vibrant, sustainable city responsive to the needs of the community that is working diligently and effectively to negotiate the difficult financial times we face.
If you are happy with the direction Culver City is heading, then vote for Scott. You can count on him to work hard to ensure Culver City continues to be the shining star of the Westside. I look forward to him once again giving his all to help our city grow in positive ways.
Mr. Cooper, a member of the City Council, may be contacted at jeffrey.r.cooper@wellsfargo.com
Assessing Malsin’s Many Pragmatic Contributions
From Paul Jacobs
I have had the privilege of participating in Culver City elections for the last 45 years as a candidate and supporter of candidates. Culver City residents have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to support qualified men and women who have been willing to make personal and business sacrifices in order to serve our city. Until now, I cannot remember an election in which a decision relating to the private life of a candidate became for some, more important than his/her qualifications.
Scott Malsin made a choice to resign from the Council rather than lose certain medical benefits. He is now a candidate for City Council. The wisdom or reasons for his choice to resign are irrelevant. Whether I would or would not have done the same thing is also irrelevant.
There is one standard that I will measure him and every other candidate by:
What is in the best interests of Culver City?
Scott has served more years on the Council than any other candidate. Therefore it is much easier to measure his performance and service to Culver City. I rate it as A-plus. If you think I am being too generous ask yourself one question: Do you like the quality of life we enjoy in Culver City? Scott had a significant part in designing neighborhood guidelines intended to preserve the city’s character; developing standards for commercial-residential developments that would be compatible with what we want the city to be; and obtaining grants that maintain and improve our parks.
It is dangerous and unproductive to measure the qualification of candidates by the personal choices they have made in their private lives.
If that standard were applied to Congress, we would have difficulty filling half the seats. I hope that Culver City will continue to elect candidates who are well qualified and reject the negativity that has been unfairly directed to Scott.
Mr. Jacobs, a former Culver City Mayor, a retired City Council member (1976-1992), and Co-Chair of the Malsin campaign, may be contacted at pajojacobs@ca.rr.com
