Jack Weiss: Spitzer-like arrogance
By Wally S. EdgeThere is only one certainty in Los Angeles City politics today, and that is that no one likes Councilman Jack Weiss. The former Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Eliot Spitzer-like arrogance -- though without the height, money or hooker issues -- is regularly denounced (in-private) as the most-unlikable politician in the region. Yet, his campaign to become City Attorney in next spring’s election appears almost an anointment as credible candidates decide not to challenge him.
The most sought after candidate is former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg. A bear of a man who greets friends and foes alike with enormous bear-hugs, Hertzberg’s campaign for Mayor 3 years ago fell short on votes but received universal praise for his message and his campaign style. Political leadership throughout the region have been begging Hertzberg to run, but the former Sacramento roommate of Mayor Antonio V. has decided that he needs to earn a few million dollars from his European energy deals before he brings his considerable girth back to elective politics.
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Jack Weiss has a challenger now!
Lets update the posting "Jack Weiss: Spitzer-like arrogance"
We agree with everything posted, accept for "Yet, his campaign to become City Attorney in next spring’s election appears almost an anointment as credible candidates decide not to challenge him."
Now we have Carmen Trutanich ... the next LA City Attorney. See www.tru09.com to view his campaign website.
Its about time the city of LA will have proper representation.
Hertzberg not running for anything, announces LA Times
Came across this article just as Hertzberg called together 35 of his closest friends at a downtown lunch, to announce he wouldn't run for City Attorney or Mayor, this year or next. Maybe you're right, he's trying to amass money from his "green" ventures, and public service is a little too much of a sacrifice. Then again, word is all that "political leadership" has told him they couldn't back him, and it would be career suicide to run now. That's more like it, if you ask me.
Besides, who wants a City Attorney who'd going to HUG the bad guys to death? You want to be imposing and scare them -- maybe Jack Weiss's lack of back-slapping warmth hasn't been eveyyone's idea of a "politician" and Huggy Hertzberg fits that bill, but Weiss has been extremely effective in forging alliances with LAPD/Bratton, the FBI and other law enforcement on anti-terrorism efforts to protect L A, and is lauded by his peers and the media in New York (like City Journal), which can get past the back-slapping image they have of pols.
Weiss has also implemented real fixes when it comes to traffic congestion, on the 405 and local streets, and working with agencies on mass transit. His redevelopment of Century City, despite opposition from a few isolated groups, is considered a model for the country. They guy does what he believes in, and works with the community to the best of his ability. I've found him and his staff very smart and effective and responsive, if not huggy-feely. He's got just the right demeanor and cred for C/A.
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