The chiefs – David White for Fire, Scott Bixby for Police – were not in the house last evening when the City Council was arguing about who should be in charge of their fates, daily and long term – the Council or City Manager John Nachbar.
Earlier yesterday, it had seemed like an easy bet that the proposal to transfer supervision of the chiefs to Mr. Nachbar would leap onto the Nov. 8 ballot.
The evening also turned swiftly into a roast. Councilperson Meghan Sahli-Wells and the most strident public speakers said that after police killings of last week, the same could happen in Culver City. That, they agreed, that is why the time is now to form a citizens oversight board.
Mayor Jim Clarke allowed that he was sympathetic to the idea. But not now.
Ms. Sahli-Wells and activists from the Culver City Community Coalition said bad things could happen if the Council hands over hiring/firing authority to Mr. Nachbar, not because he is necessarily a risk but because the Council would lose control over these two leaders and their departments.
Of Ms. Sahli-Wells’s fear of surrendering control over the two most visible departments, Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper said that if a major departmental move were to be made, “it would be foolish” of Mr. Nachbar if he did not “consult” first with the City Council.
Mr, Nachbar is mild-mannered. He sat and listened to suggestions that he could sandbag the city by making unwise decisions beyond Council approval.
Councilman Goran Eriksson asked, what is to worry about? He uttered perhaps the most incisive observation of the evening:
“The problem is that the City Council has picked a number of police chiefs (this century) for political reasons.”
No one challenged that viewpoint.
14 Comments on “Some Wondered if Nachbar Could Be Trusted”
Wouldn’t it be great if the Council actually represented the demographic breakdown of Culver City?
And were held more accountable by an engaged population.
And then we wouldn’t have to worry about cronyism.
Trust Megan to use a tragedy to further her political ambitions. Citizen oversight board for CCPD. Get real. Get over yourself. Note to P.Beale – freedom of speech is for everyone, not just your cronies.
Oh Molly Molly mythical Molly!
How we have all missed your calm and rational voice.
I think you have misunderstood the use of the word ‘cronyism’.
Might a suggest a teensy weensy little ‘google’.
I’m a bit confused about this most ‘incisive’ of observations… given that he now lives in the world of politics, how does Councilmember Eriksson intend to avoid being a part of its ‘problematic’ nature?
I fear it’s not just Molly who needs to look up a word or two.
This blog is starting to sound like a poor version of Alice in Wonderland.
Ah Polly Beale, you and your cronys never stop – perhaps you and Claudia might consider how prejudiced you are to other people’s views. Thank you for the petty comments that show your true characters.
I confess. I am opposed to the idea that supporting citizen oversight can only be supported out of political ambition. I am opposed to the idea that elected officials can use the word ‘political’ as though it was a bad word, and one that they have no relationship to. I am opposed to the idea that someone can suggest that they to deserve freedom of speech and yet call opposing views ‘ prejudiced’.
I am not ashamed of holding any of these positions.
Molly Wasserman.
Or is it molly wasserman?
Ooooh! Ouch!
It’s a Culver City mystery.
So much for all that ranting during the election about people hiding their identities.
M(m)olly W(w)asserman.
like i said, i think we are inside the rabbit hole.
Polly Beale you are a hoot. Since you are a recent transplant to the city it is lovely how you have issues with anyone not agreeing with your views or politics. Sadly you do not know everyone nor do your small circle of acquaintences who all seem to agree that agressive confrontation online is the way to make friends and influence people. Thank you Claudia for showing maturity in being co-opted into PB’s attacktics. Perhaps you both might work for the Trump campaign given your ethics and single minded insults that take the place of saying anything original or worthy of newsprint.
Is that BIG MOLLY or little molly?
Personally, I think it’s the Queen of Hearts:
“The Queen had only one way of settling all difficulties, great or small. ‘Off with his head!’ she said, without even looking round.”
PBeale you are so angry that you might consider introspection rather than heckling. I truly enjoyed the fake post under my name – shall I assume that was you since you continually bring it up? Claudia, continuing this is beneath you as an educator. Suck it up and stop acting like you & PB are the mean kids on the playground. Bullying online is still bullying. You two are bullies. Have fun playing with yourselves
Molly,
You’re right. Let’s stop.
Polly and I would love to meet with you. Would you like to meet for coffee sometime this weekend?
Give us a time and place and we’ll meet you there.
No I will not. However I will offer to politely snub you both at the Centenial festivities or around town. I have never experienced the likes of you two, which leads me to believe your offer is not to extend an olive branch and have a real discussion, but instead intend to Twitter & Facebook with your phone. I am older and much smarter than you kiddo.