I was very happy to learn that Andrew Weissman is running for the City Council of Culver City. I got to work with Andy when I was the principal consultant to the Culver City Charter Review Committee, of which Andy was the Chair. Based on that experience, I know exactly what sort of Councilmember he will be.
The Committee was filled with talented and involved people. There were lots of great ideas and tremendous energy. To harness that energy, and to lead the Committee toward the truly substantive changes it recommended and brought successfully to the voters, required a special person.
Andy was the perfect Chair. He was low key, but very determined, and at all times treated the members with grace and courtesy. He led by example, treating all issues seriously, but often breaking the mood with genuine and spontaneous humor. He guided more than directed, and ensured that the goal of good government was always paramount. It is hard to imagine how the Committee could have enjoyed the success it did without Andy’s leadership.
I believe that anyone who gets to serve on the Council with Andy will feel better about having him there helping with the task of governing this always evolving and exciting city. His reputation in the community is impeccable, and I am confident that the Council will find it easy to build consensus and to move progressively forward with Andy nudging, pointing out the occasional flaw in a policy, but moving comfortably toward the right direction for the City.
Andy has tremendous experience in Culver City, and it seems as if wherever a civic job needs doing, Andy has been there rolling up his sleeves. But he is very modest about his achievements. He is one of those people whose success generates not envy, but applause for plaudits well deserved. I wish him the best in his campaign, and hope that Culver City continues to enjoy the great benefits of his dedication and leadership.
A widely known commentator on public policy, Prof. Sonenshein teaches political science at Cal State Fullerton.
