Five Minutes: Vice Mayor Micheál O'Leary

Born in Ireland, Micheál O'Leary dreamed of coming to America after he read a brief description about the American government on the back of a cornflakes box. While a love for soccer and his pub Joxer Daly's run through his veins, his political roots also run deep--his mother and grandfather were involved in politics in Ireland, and his father was a police chief.

He was first elected to City Council in 2006 and became vice mayor in April of this year.

Patch spoke with O'Leary on his plans to make Culver City an influential player in California.

Culver City Patch: What made you decide to run for office?

Vice Mayor Micheál O' Leary: As a restaurateur, you hear people discuss politics almost on a daily basis. That's how I developed an interest. I heard a lot about people's frustrations, and I decided that the only way to effect change is to get involved.

Patch: How does your political life merge with your professional and personal life? 

O'Leary: In these tough economic times, it's harder to manage all these aspects than at normal times. There have been some personal struggles, but I believe I'm balancing them well enough without damaging any of the three important parts to that puzzle. 

Patch: What is the biggest issue you believe needs changing in Culver City?

O'Leary: We have a structural deficit, which has been exaggerated by the fact that we haven't funded our pensions. As a new politician, I have inherited the decisions made by previous councils that have put us in this position. I am concerned about the fiscal welfare of our city, and it needs some deep thought and new direction. 

Patch: How do you plan on changing it? 

O'Leary: Pension reform is very important. Unions and bargaining groups need to understand that we are not trying to hurt them. Pension reform will involve everyone's participation. Bargaining groups need to understand that this is something we have to do, and we have to do it today. 

Patch: In your opinion, what is the biggest issue that the City Council will be addressing in coming months that Culver City citizens should know about?

O'Leary: The budget is the biggest issue. Residents need to be assured that our top priority is maintaining the services as best we can, while being fiscally more responsible.

I believe the economy is bouncing back, and I believe Culver City is very attractive to business. If we stay strong and look positively, investors will come to the city and deep cuts will not be an option.

Not only do we have to talk about potentially new taxation, but we also have to look at new opportunities to create revenue. Residents need to understand that every dollar spent in Culver City benefits the city and the programs we have.

So when residents go out to their jobs--which are outside the city--they should think "Let me get gas in Culver City before I go" or "Let me wait until I come back to Culver City to do my shopping."

If we stay strong and focused on our goal, we can get through this, better than most other cities. 

Patch: How do you believe Culver City officials need to improve in terms of keeping residents informed about issues that affect them?

O'Leary: This current council is a good team. We work well together, we are respectful of each other, and we need to make sure we respond to our residents and their needs. The press and the public might be concerned that there is something hidden here like in Bell, but there's nothing like that going on in Culver City.

We are very transparent and open in all our dealings.

Patch: What is the one thing you would want Culver City residents to know about you? 

O'Leary: That I care. I am not doing this for any personal gain. I love the public participation process, and I get very excited for Monday nights--when the City Council meets.

I know there could be dialogue I may not want to hear from residents, but I appreciate all comments. The reason those irregularities happened in Bell was the public didn't participate and didn't ask questions.

And that's where Culver City is different. Residents here do care and are vocal and involved in the process. 

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