An Open Letter to City Council Candidate Scott Malsin

As the candidates for City Council seek the votes of residents, they make promises concerning what they believe in, what they will support, vote for and for the positions they will take once elected. The residents have the right to expect that these are made with sincerity, integrity and a sense of honor and commitment. 

Therefore, it was especially disturbing to hear Scott Malsin address the residents that attended the Tellefson Park and Gateway Neighborhoods Candidates Forum on March 1. He was asked if he would vote to have the Culver City Animals Services Officer become a permanent full-time position and if he would vote to make the SPCLA shelter the permanent Culver City shelter.

Mr. Malsin’s response contradicted his prior public and written commitment to make this program a permanent service in Culver City.  At this forum (and at the Culver City Senior Center Forum earlier in the day), Mr. Malsin added caveats and conditions to his support for this program. Unlike the other unconditionally supportive candidates, Mr. Malsin’s backtracked with his “Yes, but…” response that clearly conveyed that he did not truly support the Animal Services Program. Mr. Malsin had voted against Culver City having its own Animal Services Officer in the past.

Mr. Malsin has the right to take any position he likes. However, once he has committed to positions publicly, citizens expect him to keep his word. It is dishonorable to later change a stated position so materially as to make the original position misleading and deceitful.

Yes, integrity matters, Mr. Malsin. That is something that the other candidates possess. All of the candidates need to keep in mind as they seek re-election or seek other office that they carry with them whatever reputation for integrity and honor they have earned, or forfeited.

Sincerely,

Gloria Montemayor

Editor's note: Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.