Only in Venice! Debate master of yesterday gets into act.

Photo was taken after the community officer candidates were presented.

On what had been an unprecedented week of unusually hot days and nights at the beach (in high 90’s), Venetians gathered at non-air-conditioned Westminster school auditorium from 6 to 10 pm Thursday to listen to approximately 50 candidates for Venice Neighborhood Council offices answer questions posed by Ivan Spiegel, co-chair of the election committee. This was the forum.

Election committee, consisting of Elizabeth Wright and Ivan Spiegel, decided to have the community officer candidates presented first, followed by the other office candidates. Many candidates were not present. In fact, almost every office had a candidate missing. Some notified the election committee prior to the meet that they were withdrawing.

The following three photos are the community officer candidates who were each given the same answers per group.

A voter will be able to cast only one vote for one from the groups shown in the three photos. Thirteen top vote getters will be selected plus one community interest officer. Questions were asked such as would you be willing, if not elected, to serve on a committee. Many answered positively and one said she lost last election and named the committee on which she served. One mentioned she had a “helium” volunteer arm.

Community Officer

President

Candidate Matty Goodman answering Ivan Spiegel’s questions. Mike Newhouse, who is still a candidate, was not present.

Vice-President

Marc Saltzberg, who is the present vice-president, was only candidate for office present. Candidate John Reed was back east for his son’s graduation.

Secretary

Helen Stotler, present communications officer, is running for secretary. It is not known at this time whether her opponent, Idalia Munoz is still running or has dropped out.

Treasurer

Hugh Harrison has been running unopposed from the beginning.

Community Outreach Officer

Sylvia Aroth read a statement. It is not known whether Tamara Earlywine is still running for the office.

Communications Officer

Matthew Beltran answers question as Scott Kramarich and Jed Pauker listen and wait their turn.

Chair, Land Use and Planning Committee

James Murez and Robin Rudisill were the only candidates for the office present. Monica Ramone dropped out and it is not known whether Thomas Sauer dropped out.