The General Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, and with five candidates contesting two available council seats plus three measures on the ballot, there’s plenty to consider. The News is speaking to the candidates, starting with Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin and Thomas Small.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin
Why do you think you’d be a good addition to the City Council?
I would be a good addition to the City Council because I bring a broad understanding of how our city works, experience bringing people together to solve problems, and a commitment to making government more responsive to residents. My work across city government, our schools, nonprofits, and neighborhood organizations has taught me that the best decisions come from listening, collaborating, and considering how they affect the community as a whole.
I served eight years on the Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission, including two years as Chair, and also served on the Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation, now known as Culver Arts. I spent four years on the school district’s Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. These experiences have given me insight into both city government and our schools, and the importance of having them work together to serve the entire community.
My family has called Culver City home for more than 26 years, and we raised three daughters who attended our public schools. I’ve spent much of that time working with neighbors to improve our community. One example is the new four-way stop, crosswalks, and red curbs at Motor and Braddock, which we advocated for to make it safer for children walking to school. When we make our streets safer for children, we make them safer for everyone.
As a small business owner with an MBA, I also bring financial experience and an understanding of fiscal responsibility. I would bring these experiences to Council, along with a willingness to ask tough questions and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.
Where do you think the current Council needs to improve?
The biggest problem is that too many residents feel City Hall isn’t listening to them.
We’ve seen it with the downtown MOVE Culver City project, and we’re seeing it again with proposed changes to Overland and Sepulveda. Residents raise legitimate concerns about traffic, safety, parking, neighborhood access, and unintended consequences, but too often they feel their concerns aren’t being taken seriously.
Public engagement should be more than checking a box. If people consistently tell us they don’t feel heard, we need to change how we’re engaging with them.
We also need greater fiscal transparency, more careful consideration of the long-term financial consequences of major decisions, and Council meetings that are accessible to working families and residents who can’t stay up until midnight to participate.
And what has it done well?
I appreciate the current Council’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability and to Culver City’s longstanding support for arts and cultural programs. These have been priorities for our city for many years, and I’m glad to see that commitment continue. Both are important to our quality of life and help make Culver City such a special place to live.
What would your priority be?
My first priority would be restoring trust between residents and City Hall. I’ve advocated for a lobbyist registry for years, and I would make establishing one a priority. Residents deserve to know who is trying to influence decisions that affect their neighborhoods and their tax dollars.
I’d also focus on the everyday issues that affect people’s quality of life: traffic congestion, safer streets and crosswalks, well-maintained parks, strong local businesses, public safety, and responsible spending. I want a City Council that works collaboratively with our schools, supports our seniors and families, and makes decisions based on facts, financial realities, and meaningful public input.
Culver City is special because…
…we have the heart of a small town in the middle of a big city. When my husband and I moved here more than 26 years ago, we were drawn to the tree-lined streets, wonderful schools, parks, and sense of community. We raised our three daughters here, and those qualities still mean so much to me.
What makes Culver City truly special is its people. Neighbors know one another, look out for each other, volunteer for our schools, support our local businesses, and come together when something matters. Each of our neighborhoods has its own unique qualities, but we share a sense of belonging and pride in our city. That’s what makes Culver City worth fighting for, and why I’m running for City Council.