Bruno won't run again
'I have wrestled and travailed,' says the Westlake City Council member
By Sophia Fischer  sfischer@theacorn.com

Westlake Village City Councilmember Jim Bruno announced he will not seek reelection in November.

Bruno, who made his announcement in a letter to the editor in today's Acorn,does not explain his decision and could not be reached by phone or e-mail for comment. In his letter he only said "I have come to realize, as my four-year term comes to a close in December, that my season of serving on the council should also close.

"I have wrestled and travailed a great deal for the past six months over my decision to run," he said in his letter.

The decision was a difficult one, he added, and he encouraged other residents to run for the City Council.

Bruno, a financial planner and tax accountant, was elected in 2003. The past year was a tumultuous one for him and the city. Bruno helped lead the effort against the Lowe's home improvement store on Russell Road in a referendum last November. The big box store, which divided the council and the city's residents, was defeated.

In December, Bruno was snubbed by the council when it voted to retain Sue McSweeney as mayor rather than follow a longstanding tradition and appoint then Mayor Pro Tem Bruno as mayor. Councilmember Philippa Klessig replaced Bruno as mayor pro tem. Some residents criticized the council's action while others applauded.

Although he didn't agree with Bruno on the Lowe's issue, resident Ed Jefferson said he respected the council member for being "a conscientious, hard-working public servant."

"He was doing what he thought was right for Westlake," Jefferson said. "Westlake in general is very fortunate in the quality of all the council people they have. This job requires a lot of work. It's a labor of love and they all deserve a lot of respect."

The only other council seat up for election on Nov. 6 is Klessig's. She said she will seek a second term.

"I feel like I'm just getting in my stride," said Klessig, who wished Bruno well. "There's always more to do to make a city better."

Klessig said she loves serving the city by being on the council. Mayor Sue McSweeney and Councilmembers Robert Slavin and Mark Rutherford retain their seats through 2009. All three ran unopposed in 2005, which was a first for the city, according to City Clerk Beth Schott.

The filing period for interested candidates is July 16 to Aug. 10. Paperwork is available at the city offices at 31200 Oak Crest Drive.

For more election information call (818) 706-1613.