Leave it to the out-of-towners to bring the party; when West Hollywood’s Mayor Jon Erickson came to the podium to speak to the meeting, he exclaimed, “This is a celebration night!” and congratulated both the newly elected and the re-elected officials. His effusive enthusiasm carried over to congratulating Mayor Yasmine Imani McMorrin on her historic term as mayor. “When you stand up for a cause, you stand up for the future…the Westside stands united…community first is where community happens, and every one of you up here deserves congratulations.”
The meeting on Dec. 9, 2024 held space for both a regular agenda and for all the ceremonial aspects of the evening; after eight years on Council, Council Member Göran Eriksson was ‘termed out’; newly elected member Bubba Fish was sworn in, Council member Albert Vera, Jr. was re-elected to a second term, and Mayor Yasmine Imani McMorrin ended her year as mayor and began her second term on council.
Vice Mayor Dan O’Brien was elected Mayor unanimously, and Council Member Freddy Puza was likewise approved to serve as Vice Mayor.
Mayor O’Brien began with the candid admission, “I really didn’t think I’d have butterflies, but…I have butterflies.”
Projecting composure, he noted, “I am truly honored to be your Mayor for the coming year. Although it is largely ceremonial, I know how important it is to represent our community with humility and compassion. I promise I will continue to make myself accessible to hear your input and concerns, and present to celebrate our successes, and to be accountable for the decisions we make here.
He also took direct focus on some of the dishonest and derogatory remarks made from the podium that evening, saying ” I also feel it is necessary to acknowledge the sometimes fractured and divisive tone we’ve all felt for some time in Culver City, and I’d like to try to have a reset. Whether we agree or disagree on a particular issue, if we’re going to criticize, let’s criticize the policy position and not the person. We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can decide not to ‘awfulize’ every decision that is made by this body when you’re of the opposite opinion. Sometimes, the obstacle is the way. Disagreements, when approached with the right mindset, can lead to more refined policy that is improved with open debate …with that spirit, let’s celebrate the good things and be a part of any opportunity to make a difference in this community.”
Judith Martin Straw
