“Politics Ain’t for Sissies” will be the next Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) “Candidate Recruitment” event Thursday (31 March), 7 to 9 pm at the Westminster Elementary School, 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice. The event will be hosted by former VNC President Linda Lucks.
“Politics Ain’t for Sissies,” although billed as a Venice Neighborhood Council “Candidate Recruitment” event, might turn out to be just the opposite for any candidate sitting on the fence, but either way, it will certainly be a main event for 2016.
On the bill are the three California power politicians, the Honorables Debra Bowen, Ruth Galanter, and Betsy Butler. They have reached high offices and one does not go thru the political sieve — not to mention the offices held — without some recollection/s of “wish I weren’t here,” “would you believe that,” “if only people knew,” “that is just too bizarre,” “I will do this.” Their influence has undoubtedly provided a light for many a candidate to see his/her way forward.
But Thursday they will be Debra, Ruth, and Betsy.
The following only lists “The Honorables” most notable titles and not their private businesses, their education, their accomplishments. Their accomplishments illustrate their ability to address “sissies” as a knowledgeable, first-hand achievement. The tales the three must have.
Debra Bowen is the former California Secretary of State (2007 to 2015), former California Senator (1998 to 2006), former California Assemblywoman (1992 to 1998) and recipient of the “Profile in Courage Award” by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Ruth Galanter is the former city councilwoman (1987 to 2003) for the 11th district that covers Venice as well as most of the west Los Angeles area, member and chair of South Coast Regional Commission, California Coastal Commission (1977 to 1981), newsletter editor for National Health Law Program (1971 to 1979), Distinguished Scholar at Loyola Marymount University (2010 to May 2013), and Adjunct Lecturer at UCLA School of Public Health (2013 – 2013).
Betsy Butler is the former state assembly member elected in 2010 to what was then the 53rd Assembly District. Under the 2011 redistricting lines, the 53rd Assembly District changed significantly and Butler announced she would run for the new open 50th Assembly District but lost.
