A month after announcing his departure from Culver City’s governing body, Scott Malsin is officially throwing his hat into the political ring once again.
The west Culver City resident will be seeking one of the four seats on Culver City’s city council on April 8, shortly after making one of the most important decisions of his political life.
The former councilman left office on Dec. 12, 2011, in an emotional speech at City Hall, where he outlined his reasons for leaving the council after five and a half years, which was due to the desire to protect his family’s health benefits.
Had Malsin continued in office through 2012, he would have no longer been eligible to maintain his lifetime benefits.
Malsin, who was first elected in 2006 and again in 2010, said last month’s state Supreme Court decision to eliminate redevelopment agencies played a significant factor in his decision to return to public office again.
“Our community is facing some really tough challenges, all the more so in the wake of the state Supreme Court’s decision resulting in the demise of our redevelopment agency,” the ex-councilman told the News shortly before he officially entered the race. “My abilities, experience and leadership can help us meet those challenges.
“I have been dedicated to serving Culver City for 20 years and I will continue to do so in the future. I know I can help us come through these tough times stronger than we were before.”
A family matter over the recent holidays also contributed to his decision.
“I was in New York part of last month caring for my mother, who was in the hospital recovering from heart surgery. Anybody who has been through that with a parent understands how much it takes out of you,” Malsin explained. “Not only did that give me some extra time to think about this; it also gave me good reason to think twice, and I’m glad for that. It made me all the more certain that running for council is the right thing to do.”
Asst. City Manager Martin Cole, who serves as the city’s election officer, said last month that according to the city charter, Malsin would be eligible to seek a full term if he wins in April.
“Should Mr. Malsin resign his seat prior to serving ‘a partial term in excess of two years,’ then the partial term is not considered a full term,” Cole told the News. According to the charter, which was revised in 2006, “No person shall serve more than two consecutive full terms (on the City Council).”
Malsin, a former planning commissioner, said challenges brought on by the dissolution of redevelopment agencies is an area in which he and his supporters consider one of his most valuable political strengths will be crucial.
“I have the greatest experience dealing with our projects – the longest history, the deepest involvement,” he asserted. “My understanding of planning and zoning will help us as we seek to fulfill our collective vision for Culver City if the state seizes the redevelopment agency’s properties – Parcel B, (and land for redevelopment at) Washington and National boulevards and Washington and Centinela Avenue.
“As I see it, we have as many opportunities as we have challenges, and we need to be able to take advantage of those opportunities,” Malsin continued. “I believe in being proactive, not reactive, and my record stands as evidence of that. Whether we’re talking about the Expo Line, the environment or our financial situation, I’ve provided leadership that has made a difference.”
Since Malsin made the choice to leave office temporarily last month, some members of the public have taken issue with his reasons for stepping down.
In a letter to the editor in the Dec. 29 edition of the News, Steven Slaterick criticized him for resigning in order to maintain his lifetime benefits.
“Gee, it sure seems to me now that all these [Culver City] councilmen are just in it for the insurance. Take it away and they are scattering like flies,” Slaterick wrote sardonically. “And two-term councilmen get health insurance for their families for life? Nice perk for a part-time job. Let’s give them city cars instead. It would be cheaper.”
Venice public relations specialist Karen Wolfe thinks a candidate who resigned in order to protect his benefits will likely be forced to explain his actions to a segment of the electorate.
“I would expect people to wonder if his constituents come first,” said Wolfe. “He’s going to have to come up with an explanation to those voters why they should believe that he will act in their best interests.”
The former councilman says he realizes that there are some who might hold his decision to protect his benefits by resigning from the council against him.
“There’s no question that the easiest thing to do would have been to put my public service and my responsibilities behind me. The years ahead are not going to be easy. Now is not the time for on-the-job training,” Malsin responded when asked how he would answer critics of his earlier decision. “The skills and knowledge I bring to the table are the ones Culver City needs now and in the upcoming years.”
Malsin’s original term expires in 2014, and with four seats officially up for grabs in April, where he places in the race will determine whether he serves another four years or two years – provided he finishes among the top four candidates.
“If he were to run and receive the highest, second-highest or third-highest number of votes, then he would serve a four-year term,” Cole explained. “If he were to run and receive the least-highest number of votes (but receive at least the fourth-highest number of votes if there are more than four candidates), then he would serve the unexpired term of the seat he previously vacated.”
Malsin believes that with so many challenges ahead, the city needs experienced leaders. “I’m optimistic that we can come through these tough times stronger and more vital, but tough times demand strong leaders,” he said. “I’ve proven my ability to make tough decisions. I’ve proven my ability to think outside the box. I have the experience and the in-depth understanding of the issues that we’ll need in the days ahead.”
Malsin is the sixth candidate to declare his intention to seek a seat on the council.
Incumbent mayor Michaél O’Leary and councilman Andrew Weissman and challengers Meghan Sahli-Wells and James Clarke have also filed paperwork with the city clerk’s office.
Councilman Christopher Armenta chose not to seek reelection.