If you regularly read this site, you probably love and appreciate the arts in Culver City as much as I do. And you're probably wondering what candidate for Culver City Council will best support and protect the city's cultural resources. That's why I share this Letter to the Editor I received today. It's from Marla Koosed, a Culver City Cultural Affairs Commissioner currently serving her second term and a 21-year resident of Culver City.

Please vote on April 10 (next Tuesday).

Here's Marla's letter:

"I strongly support Scott Malsin’s bid for Culver City’s City Council.

I have known Scott for over 5 years. He always makes himself available for discussions and listens closely to all viewpoints. Time and again I have seen him incorporate those views when crafting win-win solutions to Culver City’s challenges. Scott is a creative problem solver, carefully vetting ideas and doing plenty of research prior to making a final decision. He is a well-rounded individual, engaged with the City on many levels.

I have enjoyed working with the other City Council members who are running for re-election, too. While I haven’t always agreed with how they voted, I’ve made a point of looking at their overall records. Deciding that you will only support someone who votes your way 100% of the time is not a viable way forward. Working through differing views and approaches gives us better solutions and ultimately a stronger city.

I did not agree with Mr. Malsin when he stepped down in December. We had several candid discussions before I decided to publically endorse him. I took time to look at the whole individual, what he did on the Council, and before that on the Planning Commission and in the Clubs and Associations he has participated in during the last 20 years. I have seen his hard work, concern and commitment. It is a candidate’s cumulative work and real accomplishments that matter to me.

I know Scott will work tirelessly with the citizens of Culver City alongside City staff to find solutions to the challenges ahead. He will ask the tough questions and not shy away from making hard decisions. Another supporter recently wrote, “Scott is able to see the shades of grey that reflect reality and not ideology”. A rare trait indeed.

I have heard a few folks talk about voting for one candidate, although there are 4 vacant seats. The ‘strategy’ ensuring that their candidate would win. It’s a dangerous rationale, because every one of the open Council seats is very important. Culver City deserves to vote for the 4 best-qualified individuals for City Council. That is why I will be voting for Scott Malsin plus 3 additional candidates that I believe best suited for the job."

Marla Koosed

Cultural Affairs Commissioner (second term)

Culver City resident 21 years