Reverses himself on city councilman





I recently wrote a letter criticizing (Westlake Village) Councilman Chris Mann on his newly-formed position of support relating to the infamous Lot 79 and its potential use for a sports park (The Acorn, July 6).


My comments were a reaction to recent articles in this and other local newspapers that quoted Chris as having "a change of heart" on this very sensitive issue.


I was not the only one concerned and upset by what I read but I was the only one to take Councilman Mann to task (publicly in writing) and that is why I am submitting a follow-up letter.


Mr. Mann recently held a Town Hall Meeting in City Hall to discuss the entire sports parks issue (Thurs., July 13). At this meeting he made it very clear that he was prepared to support the position of the majority — whatever it turned out to be.


Holding such a meeting with an open forum was/is a very courageous thing to do.


He certainly exposed himself to whatever anyone there wanted to say. I’m happy to say that the tone and content was cordial, professional and constructive. So much so that the final consensus was (for the first time) to open conversations with the council on the use of Lot 79 for sports activity.


I wrote that first letter back at the beginning of this month because, based on what I was seeing in the papers, I felt Mr. Mann was abandoning a cause that had been part of his campaign/election platform. He has come forward in a public forum to stand up and be counted. I applaud his honesty and integrity which I questioned earlier — I no longer question it. I’m very glad I wrote the letter because I think it was at least partially responsible for the recent events and positive turn that had occurred relating to this highly sensitive issue.


But it is very easy for me to criticize our elected officials (and I have in the past) so I feel an equal responsibility to "take pen in hand" and commend an action that displays an extraordinary level of professionalism, genuine concern for the community and a willingness to meet with the people.


I ended my last letter talking about Chris traveling the low road — I’m pleased to say that my perception was incorrect and Mr. Mann is indeed on the high road and we should all benefit from his service and dedication in the years to come.


Ed McGuire


Westlake Village



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