After Mayor Ken Genser died Saturday, The Lookout asked those who knew Ken to share their thoughts. Here are the final contributions.

I have known Ken and his wonderful sister Harriet for nearly 30 years. Ken was an activist, an appointed Commissioner, a many times elected City Council Member and a truly amazing person who always persevered even through ongoing medical challenges. We strongly disagreed on very few issues, but then again I sometimes even disagree with myself. I'll miss his sense of humor also.

Ken always kidded me in a good natured manner about my always wearing shorts. I'm sure Ken wouldn't mind that I'll be attending his public memorial wearing my best shorts. I can only imagine that Ken's memorial will be tear and laughter filled, and a special day of remembrance and dignity for a truly dignified human being.

As a City Council member, Ken was accessible, intelligent, and articulate. He was responsive to public concerns and public opinion and he did his homework thoroughly. He was deliberative and thoughtful and honest and respectful. He was a person and a politician of great integrity. And he has been one of the most influential City Council members in recent history. Ken’s life has been Santa Monica and Santa Monica reflects his values and his intellect. He leaves a lasting legacy and record of service and professionalism; he too will be deeply missed.

The last time Ken Genser and I were together was at Izzy's on Wilshire. The mayor had a brand muffin and hot tea; I had a tuna sandwich with coffee.

You can imagine two politicians at lunch. We talked, chewed, sipped hot coffee, greeted passersby, all at the same time and never missed a beat. Time with the mayor was always well spent.

We had our differences regarding the role of city government. The mayor believed that the government should be deeply involved in our lives; I, on the other hand, see the role of government as serving the citizens, not the other way around. But he and I both shared a deep pride in our community. Ken loved Santa Monica and dedicated his life to it.

In addition to our working together on many SMRR issues for decades, Ken and I shared two years on the City Council, from 1988-1990. They were Ken’s first two and my last two years [before I left the Council for the bench]. The growth in Ken’s stature and insight was exponential during the 21 years of his service on the Council.

In the beginning, Ken fought endlessly and sometimes aimlessly for the values he held dear. With experience, Ken became a statesman who evaluated the possibilities and diplomatically steered the Council from possibility to realization. It was a delight watching Ken grow and mature. In my opinion, for at least the past decade Ken was the most reliable member of the Council.

During my tenure on the SMC Board of Trustees he was the first Council member I turned to for support for the College. Similarly, he was a trusted advocate of the arts in Santa Monica, which my wife Bruria and I are extremely thankful for. I still owe him a lunch, and won’t eat one without thinking about him for a long time.