I was surprised at the light turnout of citizens for last week’s candidates forum, courtesy of the Culver City Senior Center. It must be hard to get excited about the reruns of promises, promises and more promises.
The candidates’ speaking order was determined by the luck of the draw. I spoke first. Four minutes each to open.
How many are registered voters? (10 hands.) Use the internet? (5 hands.) Heard of the Natatorium? (5 hands.) Know that the ice skating rink is closed? (10 hands.)
I should introduce myself, since I was the unknown candidate (unless you read thefrontpage regularly).
Mentioned my three kids (proud papa). That is when I noticed the first yawns. Volunteer of the Year 2009-10, lived 21 years in Culver City, five-year involvement in Culver politics.
It may seem like a lot of time when you have nothing to say. One minute sign appears. I break into my Baydoun’s Philosophy.
Here is the short version:
City Council elections are important. The local level is where we, as residents, should have the most impact on the day-to-day lives of ourselves and neighbors.
Voters should determine how our tax dollars get spent and what takes priority.
City Council must be willing to work with our School District, the business community and our residents.
Must be willing to look ahead to the long term goals and offer long term solutions instead of trying to find the quick fix. More taxes $$$$$$$.
I do not recall the exact order of the candidates to follow:
Mr. Jim Clarke: Mentioned that he was a senior (65 years old), has attended nearly all of the events in the Senior Center. (I think heard a few amens.) Reminded me of Mr. Alan Elmont from my School Board campaign walking days. Legend has it that he has attended every School Board meeting for years. I learned some things from him. Mr. Clarke mentioned the Senior Center funding, and this being the greatest senior center in the country.
Mr. Christopher King gave his family history and how he got his work ethics. Looking out into the crowd, I saw a couple people nodding off. I was caught up watching a lady that was about to fall off of her seat. Wondered if I should alert the man next to her. (I must have missed the part where they came over with Columbus). Her head jerked. She opened her eyes. Close call.
Mr. Jeff Cooper: Sorry, I was concentrating on my next presentation. Anyway, I have read his Web page. Did I miss anything?
The audience question- and-answer period was next, with a two-minute response for the four City Council candidates.
A senior asked: I notice that the streets have lines on the L.A. side (blue signs). They have nice painted street lines and on the Culver City side (green signs), the lines are missing. It is a dangerous situation. It’s been like that for too long. What can be done about it?
Mr. Clarke mentions about L.A.’s notorious pothole fame. Now they have a program that allows photos to be sent directly to City Hall via iPhones. I will look into it.
The next senior says: I have been complaining about a signal light being out, and it is near a school. You call the City Hall and all you get is the runaround. Should be one number you can call.
Mayor Cooper: I will look into it.
The next senior says that the Natatorium was funded for the restoration. But it was not done because of the maintenance and operational costs could not be figured out. What are the officials for?
Incumbents: That’s a School District problem.
I asked the lady if she had ever heard of Gary Abrams. No, she replied.
Yes, she said with a smile, she had heard of Mr. Z, Robert Zirgulis. I told her I was the original spark for the Natatorium. Mr. Z is carrying the torch.
(To be continued)
Mr. Abrams, a candidate for the City Council, may be contacted at gabrams@ca.rr.com
