Different from the Rest
No matter how many residents sign up to try for the chairs of Stew Bubar and Marla Wolkowitz, Mr. Eskridges unique resume is not likely to be equalled.
Not only is he a hometown boy whose grandparents sank their roots into the Culver City turf 74 years ago he has direct access to the very modern notion of the concept of institutional memory. His direct participation memory reels back 15 years.
One Mans Slate
He ran for the School Board in 1992, and he won.
He ran for re-election in 1996, and again he won.
When he ran in 00, he lost.
To make the playing field completely level or square, he lost again in 02, giving him a record of 2 and 2.
Explaining Setbacks
Mr. Eskridge has a good idea why his last two races went south. Different reason each time.
I didnt really lose because of issues either time, he said. In 2000, everyone (on my side) became complacent. After the election, people came up to me and said, We were so sure you were going to win, we didnt go and vote. That becomes a problem. It happens to a lot of incumbents. People feel you are going to be a shoo-in. Actually, I didnt lose by many votes.
The second time, there was a large field (dividing up the votes), that included Jeanette James, and I came in third.
No Backing Away
Although his two sons have completed their Culver City school days, hardly anyone in Culver City scrutinizes the School District, monitors school events, personnel, individual and group attitudes, or combs the breadth of the school community with the passion and thoroughness of Michael Eskridge.
No thumb-twiddler, Mr. Eskridge is not to be mistaken for a passive, chin-stroking sideline observer.
In His Opinion
Several years ago when a dispute over health care insurance controversially involved members of the School Board, Mr. Eskridge leaped into the center of the fray.
He spoke his mind so firmly that one Board member, for a time, did not appear content to merely inhale Mr. Eskridges clearly declared views.
A Booster Seat
Since leaving the School Board, Mr. Eskridge has stayed officially immersed in school business by serving as treasurer of the Booster Club at Culver City High School.
Competing so far against candidates who never have sat on the School Board, Mr. Eskridge would appear to hold several natural advantages in this race.
Not the least unique concept is the fact the unfolding 97-day campaign will be his fifth, a record that may never be duplicated.
The Motivation
Why join the race again?
At the time, Mr. Eskridge said while sitting at a small, quiet table in the showroom of his familys Culver Center Flowers business, nobody else was running. My wife (Patty) and I had talked about it. I have always had an interest in schools. So it seemed very logical.
Which Way the Wind?
With four campaigns in his saddlebags, can Mr. Eskridge discern whether a race is going to go his way?
Pausing just for a blip, he said no.
From what I have heard, he said, good candidates are starting to surface. Of second-time challenger Roger Maxwell, Mr. Eskridge said, I really like him.
Very Interesting
Of the most unexpected entry, the attorney Steve Gourley, Mr. Eskridge said, with a wry smile, That is interesting, which packed a far stronger message beyond the three little words.
I dont know if it is a shock he is running. But it is surprising. When he was on the City Council, I liked him.
Elevating the Race
Because of his Democratic ties at the state level well, that creates a whole new ballgame. (Mr. Gourley served as state Director of the Dept. of Motor Vehicles under former Gov. Gray Davis.)
In a lot of ways, Gourley running could be very good for the city, Mr. Eskridge said. It no longer makes the race a local, small, little election.
He said that Mr. Gourleys candidacy has no effect on me at the moment but it is very interesting.
Opinion to Come
Mr. Eskridge was airing his opinions yesterday, before the candidacy of Barbara Kline became known.
More challengers are expected before the Aug. 15 deadline, five days later than announced since neither incumbent is running.
