The Trimmings
At a picnic-in-the-park Tellefson, by name friends of Mr. OLeary rousted up food, toys, balloons and plenty of chatter about how they think the race will turn.
All in the absence of Mr. OLeary.
He was in Loma Linda with the rest of his mourning family for the mid-morning funeral of the father of his wife Susan.
In the candidates stead, his friend Desmond Burns read a prepared statement:
This picnic was scheduled to announce Mehauls candidacy for City Council. Unfortunately, his father-in-law passed away last weekend. Mehaul and his family are paying their final respects at the burial today.
Mehaul, being a man of priorities and a man of family values, could not be here with you today. He sends his regards and apologies. He hopes you will understand.
Another event will be scheduled later to kick off Mehauls campaign, and we hope you will attend.
Regardless of the content of the mid-day, mid-town rally, it was striking that in Culver City, where voter turnouts have been miniature in size, candidates are getting an 8 1/2-month jump on Election Day.
No Surprise
Does it take that long to visit, face-to-face, with the few who cast ballots?
Whats the surprise? asked one of the Irishmans strongest boosters. On the last Election Night, a year and a half ago, Mehaul announced he was going to run again, she said.
Why Start Early?
Besides, she added, what is expected to be a large field already is beginning to fill out.
Even those who have not made their entries formal are building foundations for their campaigns.
With so much at stake and so few (voters) making the decision, it is not too early to start in July, the lady said.
First to Announce
City Clerk Christopher Armenta is the only other candidate who has officially declared himself in the race, although three-term former City Councilman Albert Vera has said informally he will be in the running.
From a rear picnic table, another lady spoke up to say that a lot of names are floating around out there. It will be interesting to see who actually files for office.
The suspense will have to endure until the official filing deadline in kate January.
Naming Names
In a cozy community where first names often are the ticket to public attention, the lady at the rear picnic table mentioned Dr. Loni Anderson, Saundra Davis, Andy Weisman, Chip Netzel, Marcus Tiggs and possibly Dr. Luther Henderson.
A gentleman who was happy enough to be in slightly cooler Tellefson on another day that promised scorching temperatures said that in his opinion July is too early to be running for office. This campaign is starting much too early.
First Motivation
Another rally participant said the candidates have no choice.
This is going to be more of a wide-open race than usual, he said. Three seats and no incumbents (all of whom are term-limited).
There is going to be a lot of people running, the gentleman continued. A finite number of votes are available, a finite number of dollars are available. For those reasons, people are looking to line up supporters early.
What Does Not Work
I hope this isnt going to be a nasty campaign, one younger person piped up.
Negative campaigning doesnt work in Culver City, said a woman a generation older. I am hoping it is going to be very positive.
I cant speak for anybody but the candidates I am working for, but we try to make sure the candidates stay positive. If somebody goes negative, that is his or her choice.
The Slumbering Voters
A gentleman who has been through more than several political races in Culver City was asked how interest can be sparked in campaigns that typically elicit tepid responses from residents.
Have a position that people want to listen to, he said. Say something people want to hear. Find a hot button.
