Mayor Potsie? ‘Happy Days’ star Anson Williams running for office in California

OJAI, Calif. — Hello sunshine, goodbye rain -- Potsie is running for mayor.

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Anson Williams, who portrayed Potsie Weber in the 1970s television hit “Happy Days,” apparently has thrown his hat into the political ring and is running for mayor of Ojai, California.

The actor-director, who played Richie Cunningham’s best friend in the nostalgic ABC sitcom, announced his candidacy during the public comments portion of the Ojai City Council meeting on June 28, Ojai Valley News reported.

According to the newspaper, Williams, 72, said Ojai needs “leadership that inspires a collaborative team.”

Candidates for all city offices can declare their candidacy formally on July 18 by filing papers at the city clerk’s office.

Should Williams declare for the post in his hometown, he would face incumbent Betsy Stix, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Other than his comments during the public forum, Williams has not announced his candidacy officially, according to the newspaper.

A representative for the actor did not immediately respond to the Times’ request for comment.

Williams appeared in 220 episodes of the sitcom from 1974 to 1984, according to IMDb.com.

Ojai is located about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County, according to Deadline. It has a population of under 8,000 and is known for its boutique hotels, art galleries and farmers’ market of local organic agriculture. An ordinance prohibits chain stores in the city.

Williams appeared in 220 episodes of the sitcom from 1974 to 1984, according to IMDb.com. If he formally announces his candidacy, Williams will have at least one endorsement.

Actor Henry Winkler, who played Fonzie on “Happy Days,” tweeted his support.

“You have my vote,” The Fonz tweeted.

After “Happy Days” ended its run, Williams continued to work as a director and producer. He credited the show’s executive producer, Garry Marshall, who encouraged the cast to study all areas of filmmaking.

“He opened the doors of the Paramount lot so we could watch other directors direct, edit, whatever we wanted to do,” Williams told the Times in 1995. “He thought it was very important for us to learn all sides of the business because we may not be acting all of our lives. We were young and we didn’t know what we wanted to do, so maybe another area would inspire you.”

Williams produced the hit 1980 movie “Skyward,” directed by Howard and starring Bette Davis, according to the Times. He also directed “Lone Star Kid” for PBS, “No Greater Gift” for ABC and “seaQuest” for NBC, as well as several episodes of “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Baywatch” and “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.”

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