On Eriksson Night, Councilman Jim Clarke, left, with John and Nancy Kuechle, two of the candidate’s most recognizable supporters.

Supporters of Göran Eriksson crowded into a room at the Culver City Courtyard by Marriott on Saturday evening to support his run for a seat on the City Council in the April 12 election.

The evening included dinner and auctions as well as dancing and live music from the band, 1969.

“I am humbled by the amount of support I have been receiving,” said Mr. Eriksson, who added that he has enjoyed the new experience of running for office.

“Wherever I walk, I meet new people – people who tell me they love living in Culver City. They say we need to work hard to maintain our quality of life.”

Mr. Eriksson told the sold-out crowd at his fundraiser that he intends to focus on several key issues during the campaign, including being prudent with city finances, maintaining Culver City’s quality of life and putting neighborhoods first.

Mr. Eriksson has a long track record as a successful businessman and community activist and has already received endorsements from four of the five sitting City Council members: Mayor Mehaul O’Leary, Vice Mayor Andy Weissman and Councilmembers Jeff Cooper and Jim Clarke.

“A number of current and former elected officials were at the fundraiser,” Mr. Eriksson said.

“I had an opportunity to talk to them about what it takes to run our city.

“I am always learning. Whether it’s listening to voters on their porch or discussing policy issues with our Council members at City Hall, I am encouraged about the future of our city.”

As chairman of the city’s Finance Advisory Committee, Mr. Eriksson has been instrumental in making recommendations to increase community involvement in the city budget process, to update the city’s current financial policies and to extend the city’s long-term financial forecast.

In addition, under his leadership, the committee has developed a Measure Y quarterly fact sheet and communication plan, made recommendations regarding the city’s financial transparency strategy and made recommendations regarding the communication of financial information on the city website.

“I have the background and the experience necessary to keep our city on firm financial footing while making the tough decisions that will guide us into the future,” said Mr. Eriksson, who also was on the Advisory Committee on Redevelopment.

Mr. Maleman may be contacted at gmaleman@aol.com