Memoirs of Peter Boudoures Chapter 51 Boudoures Makes a Mistake

Elmer Robinson - 1947

In 1951 I broke away from George Christopher and supported Elmer Robinson in the race for mayor, a move I later regretted. George lost by a very small margin.

(Boudoures doesn't explain how the break occurred. At first, Dr. Angel and Boudoures worked together to raise funds for the mayor's race. According to Nick Verreos, who was active in the campaign, the break came as a result of a difference of opinion over the tactics used by Dr. Angel to obtain contributions from fellow Greek-Americans. Supposedly, an argument ensued between Boudoures and Dr. Angel wherein Boudoures told Christoher, "It's either him or me." Christopher chose Dr. Angel and Boudoures left in a huff with his ego bruised. As a result, Boudoures actively campaigned against Christopher. The campaign got ugly. Smear tactics were used by Christopher's opponents that left a bitter legacy that haunted Boudoures for years. Christopher surprised everyone by running a strong campaign. He lost by a tiny margin. Boudoures gave a big celebration party at the Maison Paul after the elections. He got his revenge, but as a result, Boudoures became the goat of the Greek community.)

George ran again in 1955 and won an overwhelming victory over Russell Wolden. In 1959 he was re-elected in a race against my old friend, George Riley. In both elections, 1955 and 1959, I was approached by Christopher's opponents and asked for my support. Each time I told them, once is enough, I would never oppose Christopher again, no matter what. I would sit on the sideline and not get involved. Some of my friends urged me to return to the fold and actively support Christopher. I told them that if Christopher wanted my support he should ask for it and only he would get my answer, no one else. George never again asked for my help.

After he won his first election for mayor, I was invited to a dinner honoring him at the West Portal Café where I was asked to speak. I congratulated him for his election and told him that the eyes of the world were on him. His actions would mean a lot to the Greek-Americans here in the United States and throughout the world. He could do more than anyone else to build a positive image of the Greeks if he became a successful mayor. He would get the respect of even those who opposed him. As it turned out, he did very well.