Anson Williams, who is well known for his role as Warren "Potsie" Weber in the 1970s sitcom Happy Days and his prolific TV directing work, recently announced he intends to run for Mayor of Ojai, California.
Happy Days, which was set in an idealized version of 1950s and 1960s Milwaukee, was a formative part of many people's childhoods. The show told the story of the Cunningham family, especially high schooler Richie—played by Ron Howard—and their interactions with the various interesting members of their community.
Henry Winkler, who portrayed the especially interesting Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on Happy Days, shared the news Williams was planning to run for mayor and was apparently glad to hear it.
Winkler responded to the happy news by quote tweeting ABC-7's George Pennacchio's announcement Williams was aiming to be mayor of Ojai and saying "You have my vote".
\u201cYou have my vote\u201d— Henry Winkler (@Henry Winkler) 1657079554
Many other Twitter users were on board too.
\u201c@hwinkler4real What a sweetheart. I bet he will be a wonderful steward. Three cheers.\u201d— Henry Winkler (@Henry Winkler) 1657079554
\u201c@abc7george @Ansonw4real How you gonna leave out @StarTrek director?\u201d— George Pennacchio (@George Pennacchio) 1657079481
\u201c@abc7george @Ansonw4real He is timeless and ageless as he is kind! You are a global treasure Anson! May success prevail for you! May your kindness be catchy! \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb\u201d— George Pennacchio (@George Pennacchio) 1657079481
\u201c@abc7george @Ansonw4real Anson you will make an amazing mayor - so glad you are running!! @ojaisharon\u201d— George Pennacchio (@George Pennacchio) 1657079481
Some wanted to do their due diligence before being excited, though.
\u201c@tomleykis @abc7george @ABC7 Hell no!\u201d— George Pennacchio (@George Pennacchio) 1657079481
\u201c@tomleykis @abc7george @ABC7 Thanks SO much, Tom\u201d— George Pennacchio (@George Pennacchio) 1657079481
\u201c@Ansonw4real @tomleykis @abc7george @ABC7 Thank goodness you said Hell No! I live in Ojai\u2026 looking forward to to see what your plans are for the town!\u201d— George Pennacchio (@George Pennacchio) 1657079481
\u201c@Ansonw4real @tomleykis @abc7george @ABC7 Go Potsie! Best wishes!!\u201d— George Pennacchio (@George Pennacchio) 1657079481
\u201c@haleakela19 @abc7george @Ansonw4real He\u2019s not a Trumper, so that\u2019s a good start.\u201d— George Pennacchio (@George Pennacchio) 1657079481
According to Ojai Valley News, Williams said Ojai needs "leadership that inspires a collaborative team."
Williams enjoyed a successful singing career as well as acting. He still hits the stage with castmate and fellow crooner Don "Ralph Malph" Most.
Like his costar Ron Howard, Williams moved to the director's chair and worked on TV shows including Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Lizzie McGuire, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
At an Ojai City Council meeting, Williams spoke out against growing tourism or building another hotel at the expense of Ojai residents.
Williams said of his agenda as mayor:
"I'm a fan of finding creative ways ... to add millions of dollars to our community without having to rely on hammering in one more nail unless it addresses our own great need for affordable housing, of course."
Williams—who was born in Los Angeles—has lived in Ojai for at least a decade according to property records.
NBC News via Lisa Anderson
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