May doesn’t only bring warmer weather to Culver City. It also brings changes to the Culver City Government.

The Culver City Council’s annual reorganization occurred at the end of April, electing Jeffrey Cooper to serve as mayor and Thomas Small to serve as vice mayor.   Last year Jeffrey Cooper served as vice mayor under Mayor Jim Clarke.

Clarke’s one regret from his year in office was that it was over so quickly. He stated, “About the time you get the hang of the job, the job is over. So it is really good to have someone who has done it before, like Jeff Cooper. And, Thomas Small is coming in with new ideas and new energy, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they will do.”

Martin Feinberg, Realtor, is eager to see what Jeffrey Cooper will do for the community. Culver City Real Estate has benefited from dedicated mayors in the past.

Cooper is excited for the new opportunity granted to him and spoke about the issues weighing on his mind this coming year. They include revamping the city’s general plan, dealing with over-flights from the nearby Los Angeles International Airport, and the findings of the city’s Marijuana Task Force.

He also thanked fellow city council members for their commitment and hard work. “Whether we are agreeing or disagreeing, we always treat each other with respect,” Cooper said. “Everyone here has passion, but no one has an agenda. The City Council’s only agenda is to do the best for the city of Culver City.”

Lastly, Cooper had words of praise for former Mayor Clarke. “Former Mayor Clarke has done tremendous work in helping Culver City become a ‘city of kindness,’ and that starts here on the dais.”

Martin Feinberg, Culver City Realtor, wishes Jim Clarke well in his next endeavors.

Jeffrey Cooper is in his second term on the city council. Small was elected to the council in 2016. He says, “Jim Clarke, Jeff Cooper and Meghan Sahli-Wells are tough acts to follow; the bar has been set very high. This past year has been a tremendous learning experience for me. I personally want to thank Jim for the guidance and the example he has been for me. I am looking forward to a great year.”

Cooper and Small will also serve as chair and vice chair of the city’s Financing Authority, Housing Authority, Parking Authority and the Successor to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Boards.