Shakeup at Mid City

By Jorge Casuso

Averting what likely would have been a contentious re-election bid, Mid City Neighbors president David Cole declined nomination to a third term, paving the way for the election of Michael Brourman, an attorney with a long history of fighting development.

Monday's election signals a philosophical shift in the long-established neighborhood group, which had been perceived by some as too friendly to developers under Cole's tenure.

"I have served for two years," Cole said, explaining his reason for not accepting the nomination. "I frankly don't feel welcome anymore at Mid City Neighbors. I feel I have been mischaracterized. That is very hurtful. I don't work for developers or the bank."

Facing no other candidate, Brourman was elected 12 to 1, with Cole casting the only opposing vote and two of the 15 board members abstaining. Joan Charles, another slow growth advocate who sits on the Architectural Review Board, was unanimously elected as the board's vice president.

"I got involved fighting development in the early eighties," Brourman said after the meeting. He added that his biggest concern is "development and all that comes with it - parking problems, traffic problems, quality of life, quality of air."

Brourman had served on the board for three years, taken a break and recently returned, seeking a seat at the group's convention last month. The current board, which is comprised of several other members who also chose to return during the convention, was expected to try to oust Cole.

There was a question, however, about the eligibility of board member Tom Francis, who was expected to cast what was viewed as a key vote for Brourman. Before the election, Francis was informed that he was likely in violation of the group's bylaws because he neither resides nor operates a business in the area.

"It has been a concern to some on the board for a long time," said co-chair Donna Block. "This one is extraordinarily in violation."

Francis, who said he has a P.O. Box and works as an auto mechanic in the area, acknowledged his business license had expired but argued he was not in violation of the bylaws.

"I take exception to some of the comments about violations in the bylaws," Francis said. "I've operated a business in the Mid City area for many years and the fact is I still operate a business in the Mid City area."

Brourman came to Francis' defense.

"The tone and nature (of the inquiry) is really funny," Brourman said. "We're attacking people. Tom probably knows more about Mid City than any of us."

Francis staved off his possible ouster by bringing a letter informing the board that he had been named representative of Thunderbolt Books on Fifth Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.

"To avoid debate, I chose another route to save time," Francis said. "I am a representative of a business, and I have their membership right here."

Several board members then questioned whether the bookstore was in the Mid City area.

"I worked years ago to annex 5th, 6th and 7th streets to the area," Francis said.