Attorney Edward L. Masry, the real-life lawyer portrayed in the film "Erin Brockovich," is receiving less than rave reviews as a city councilman.
Masry, 68, won his seat in a landslide November election, helped along by recognition he received from the film. Albert Finney portrayed Masry as a compassionate plaintiffs' attorney whose legal assistant helps him win a $333 million settlement for the residents of Hinkley, Calif., in a groundwater contamination suit.
But on the Thousand Oaks (Calif.) City Council, Masry is known for his diatribes against city employees and for making motions on items not on the agenda.
"He's a disaster," said Alex Fiore, a former councilman. "Frankly, I think he should resign."
True to his reputation, Masry makes no apologies.
"If people don't like what I'm saying, I really don't care," Masry said. "I'm telling it as I see it and if I'm making misstatements of fact, vote me out. I'll sign the recall petition."