First of two parts. 

A decade and a half after leaving City Hall – hard to believe – he remains vitally interested in the political body of Culver City.

In the heart of Sunday afternoon’s celebration of Göran Eriksson’s launch of his campaign for City Council, there was elder statesman Ed Wolkowitz. Standing nearby was his friend John Kuechle.

“I am here because I heard there was free food,” Mr. Wolkowitz cracked.

“I am here to support Göran,” said Mr. Kuechle. “I had not gotten to know him until a few months ago. He has a real grasp on the important issues Culver City will be facing in the next couple of years.

“Göran is the best person I have seen to take a stab at solving them.”

Returning to the reclining Mr. Wolkowitz, the former mayor listened carefully to the Kuechle analysis, and he could not resist contributing.

You knew you were about to be put on.

From behind a wry expression, he said that “John is a lot more focused than I am. I truly admire him for that.”

Whereas, suggested Mr. Wolkowitz’s visitor, you are here for purposes of nutrition.

“No,” he corrected. “I am here because I am a glutton.”

Now it was the turn of Mr. Kuechle.

Because Mr. Eriksson has been a successful international businessman for decades, Mr. Kuechle is backing him for one of three available seats in the April City Council election.

“The most serious problem facing City Hall,” Mr. Kuechle said, “would be the various financial obligations that will be imposed on the city. There will be employee costs and the costs of the water runoff policy the state is pushing. We need to come up with ways to raise a lot of money and spend it wisely.”

(To be continued)