Our Shiny, New 1947 Car

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     I am writing to discuss the reasons why I am a strong supporter of the proposed Measure V, which would update the Charter for Culver City.
     In 1947, (the same year the current City Charter was enacted) my parents bought our very first automobile. It was a brand-new, top-of-the-line Packard sedan. It was stylish, roomy, and comfortable. It had a heater, and a radio — modern innovations in those days.
 
     It did not have: An automatic transmission,four-wheel drive, seat belts, anti-lock (or power)
brakes, power steering, power windows (power anything!), air bags or a catalytic converter.

My Advice for Malsin

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     Last summer, Scott Malsin called to ask me what I thought about his interest in running for the City Council.  During the past few years, I’d had the pleasure of working with Scott on a number of Culver City projects, and I was impressed.  Without hesitation, I told him that I would be pleased to support his campaign should he decide to run.
     Well, the City Council campaign is drawing to a close, and I have not for one moment regretted my decision to support Scott Malsin for election to the City Council on Tuesday, April 11. 
     At  the several Candidate Forums I have attended,  Scott has exhibited a keen understanding of our city and how our local government works.  Certainly, some of that understanding comes from having spent five years on the city’s Planning Commission, and from having run a number of community events in Culver City, including Fiesta La Ballona. 

Bass Supporting Silbiger

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Culver City Vice Mayor Gary Silbiger, far right, with Karen Bass, State Assembly Majority Whip, third from right

     For the past year, I have had the pleasure of representing Culver City and the rest of the 47th District in the State Assembly. As I have worked on issues ranging from transportation to the environment to social services, I have looked to Culver City City Councilmember Gary Silbiger to partner with me in our mutual goal to best represent the people of this city.

     Gary has been a leader on the Council where he champions more support for education, the safety of every resident, and the creation of a more participatory city government. But he has also worked diligently throughout the region to make sure that the people of Culver City are represented at every level of government.

Why I Am for ‘V’

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     Times change. Institutions must adapt.
 
     Culver City’s Charter (government structure) was adopted fifty-eight years ago. You can think of dozens of challenges, problems and opportunities that didn’t even exist then, as well as many others that did exist, but government wasn’t expected to deal with them.
Now it is.
 
     Culver City has five part-time City Council members with the following responsibilities:

‘V’ Will Cost You Rights

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     I find it troubling that nobody seems to be talking about the really big issue on our city election ballot next week: Measure V. 
     I’m writing to encourage people to look at Measure V really carefully and then vote No on Tuesday, April 11.  
     Three members of the City Council placed Measure V on the ballot.  They characterize it as “Charter reform” to change the Chief Administrative Officer AO to a City Manager.  But there’s a lot of other bad news buried in Measure V. 
 
     Did you know that Measure V:  
     Takes away our right to choose the city’s Treasurer and Clerk? 

Do We Want Illegal Alien?

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     In your writing about City Council candidate Mehaul O’Leary, you said that when he was an illegal alien, he made sure that he complied with all American laws.
     Unfortunately, he admitted three times to (Culver City High School) students at the Candidate Forum last Tuesday that he illegally "borrowed" someone else’s Social Security card.
     Do we really want a person of his low moral character to be on the City Council?
 

Paul Ehrlich, Culver City

A Kind, Caring Candidate

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     We normally elect our candidates for political office based on reputation or the litmus test of party affiliation.
     We are lucky in Culver City that we get a chance to know our candidates for City Council if we make any effort to do so. As a fellow member of the Exchange Club, I have been fortunate to know Scott Malsin for several years.
     He is a kind, caring and conscientious individual who possesses both intellect and common sense. He has earned the respect of those who have interfaced with him as a Planning Commissioner, and of his neighbors for his history of community service.

Rushing to Ignore a Legal Permit

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     Stop the bulldozing of the Westwood Village Farmers Market. 
     A thriving, convenient, successful market for meeting the needs of shoppers and vendors for the limited amount of local organic grown fruits and vegetables, has been given an illogical time of two weeks to vacate. 
     Farmers Markets have alerted the public to the possibility of city folks obtaining farmer garden fresh sustainable basics for tastier food and a healthier life.
 

Will V Stand for Victory?

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     In 2004, when I first heard about the potential review of the City Charter, I was unaware of its significance. But all of that has changed in 2006. 
     In an exemplary display of the democratic process, City Council members each nominated two members to the Charter Review Committee, reflecting the diversity of our city.  With Andrew Weissman as its chair, the Committee reviewed and analyzed every aspect of the present City Charter.  They held workshops for public participation and constructive opinion. 
     The result was a unanimous, definitive revised City Charter. 

O’Leary Behind the Scenes

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     Having attended a recent City Council Candidates Forum, it is easy to see and feel how passionate Mehaul O’Leary is about Culver City and the endless possibilities we have to prosper and grow in this fine community.
     I would like to introduce your readers to the compassionate side of Mehaul O’Leary and to highlight his concern for others and people in need.
     On each anniversary of the disaster 9/11, proceeds from his bar and restaurant, Joxer Daly’s. go to the widow and children of a New York fireman. Over the last four years, several thousand dollars have been sent to the family.