Klessig, Davis take Westlake
Kirschbaum falls short in bid for City Council
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Philippa Klessig

Westlake Village voters swept newcomer Ned Davis onto the City Council and narrowly reelected incumbent Philippa Klessig to another four-year term in Tuesday's election. Davis earned significantly more votes than any of the four candidates.

Davis received 1,170 votes, or 35 percent; Klessig received 863 votes, or 26 percent. Closely behind her was retired insurance administrator Carol Kirschbaum with 772 votes. Physician Theodore Corwin received 556. The city has approximately 5,490 registered voters and 35 percent went to the ballot box.

The high voter turnout indicated a "huge commitment" by residents, especially in an election where there was little to be decided except local issues, Davis said.

"It's a credit to the citizens of Westlake Village and how in tune they are," Davis said. "In me they hopefully saw somebody who's positive and can have an effect on bringing people together."

Davis replaces outgoing Councilmember Jim Bruno who chose not to seek reelection after one term. Last year the council broke with tradition and decided not to name Bruno mayor. Some felt that Bruno was punished for his successful opposition to efforts to build a Lowe's home improvement store. Davis hopes the community will move beyond the issue.

Ned Davis

Klessig's close win over Kirschbaum may be a "residual" of what happened with Bruno, but blaming Klessig is not fair or true, Davis said.

"What's important is to look at what the result is. That says more than anything- that she has done a good job," said Davis, whose immediate goals are to learn the city government process, investigate the creation of a community center and find ways to better disseminate city news.

Klessig and Davis spent election night at their homes with supporters watching election results.

"I think I ran a good, clean campaign. I stayed pretty focused," said Klessig said. I'm so thrilled with Ned. I think we'll be a dynamic team."

Issues that Klessig wants to continue pursuing are increased lighting, walkways, and bike paths- and a community center.

"That's going to take some doing," Klessig said. "There isn't one single concept I'm getting of what people want it to be other than a gathering place. We'll have to do some research."

Despite her loss, Kirschbaum enjoyed the campaign, especially meeting residents and hearing their input.

"I can honestly say I tried to run a campaign with integrity. I worked very hard and made so many wonderful friends through this experience," Kirschbaum said. "I still plan to be involved in our community, which is so important and special to me."