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WESTSIDE - David Feige, a former New York lawyer turned LA television producer, writer and documentarist, was elected Tuesday evening to fill the unexpired term of President of the Venice Neighborhood Council (www.venicenc.org).
The 60-year-old former Bronx Public Defender, husband, homeowner and father outpaced Gary Pearl, Ben Simon and Ted Henderson for the VNC's top spot by a vote of 13-4-2 and one member not voting.
The two-decade resident was visibly humbled by the size of his margin of victory.
Feige's detailed commitment as a member of the VNC's Land Use & Planning Committee or LUPC was certainly a deciding factor in his selection.
The vacancy occurred when two-term incumbent Brian Averill resigned last month in wake of internal strife with a foursome of board members who opposed his leadership on just about every issue before the 21-member, all volunteer neighborhood council directly elected by stakeholders for months.
Those members were Treasurer Helen Fallon, Outreach Chair Erica Moore and Community Officers Lisa Redmond and Sarah Mahir.
Pearl, who currently serves as Vice-President, ended his candidacy during the Q&A and preferred to remain in his current position as board members questioned the remaining candidates.
The process featured some funny moments from candidate Ben Simon who delighted the audience of about 125 people with some witty commentary, while emphasizing the need for community advocacy and unity.
Community Officer Ted Henderson stressed his commitment of a single Venice with many parts and constituencies and focused on his current role as Chair of the Rules & Elections Committee which is currently in the process of offering amendments and revisions to the existing BY LAWS and Standing Rules.
The election was chaired by VNC Secretary Tima Bell with assistance from the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment or DONE, the city agency that offers guidance and oversight to some 100 NCs across Los Angeles.
Feige thanked the board for their support and extended his hand to Pearl, Henderson and Simon as well as those members who did not vote for him.
For the post-election theme of the evening was unity and getting back to the business of Venice versus petty personality conflicts and trivialities.
For what was universal in agreement was that the VNC had become utterly dysfunctional and rudderless, and that getting back to a more unified and focused body was certainly in order as many observers were questioning the very credibility of the controversial 21-member local board.
In previous conversations with the new President, Feige stressed that social events and gatherings amongst the board members was essential for future unity and community support.
Feige had no illusions to the challenges before the VNC but was optimistic as the road to recovery was probable and permanent if fellow members could get past the personalities and focus on the challenges of serving as effective community advocates.
Feige also stated he would be reaching out to LA Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) who represents Venice as well as being a resident of this urban beach enclave.
Feige is the author of the memoir Indefensible: One Lawyer's Journey into the Inferno of American Justice and co-creator of the TNT legal drama Raising the Bar, both of which center on the life of the public defender.
Because of the length of the meeting, it was suggested another meeting take place as early as next week to address the rather long agenda that was already before them.
Ironically, it was Averill who approached Feige to seek the presidency, and that small contingent of four who opposed him all voted for his personal choice to succeed him.
Also in attendance was CD-11 Venice Deputy Sean Silva representing Councilwoman Traci Park, representatives from LAPD, and Los Angeles mayoral candidate Asaad Alnajjar and former VNC president Mike Newhouse, a candidate for the California State Senate to succeed the outgoing incumbent, Ben Allen of Santa Monica.
For more information about the VNC, visit online at www.venicenc.org
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of the neighborhood who reports on the deliberations of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Have a tip or a take all things Venice? Contact him online at [email protected].)
