Chamber Sides with Job-Creation and Experience in the Sixth District Special Election

Board of Directors endorses Candidate Academy Alumnus Ahmed “Carl” Saafir to fill vacant Council seat

Upon the recommendation of the Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC), the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors votes to endorse the candidacy of Ahmed Saafir in his bid to become the next 6th District City Councilman – unequivocally recognizing that Mr. Saafir is the candidate best equipped to promote the enterprise of business through his advocacy for quality jobs for Long Beach and the 6th District.

Over the last 20 years, Mr. Saafir has amassed a track-record of community service and civic engagement in the 6th District, from his service as President of the NAACP, to his role as Vice President of the Long Beach Civil Service Commission. Mr. Saafir has received numerous recognitions for his service to the community, including commendations from California State Senators Betty Karnette (former) and Edward Vincent, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, and then-Assemblymember Jenny Oropeza; in addition to countless other elected officials and community organizations.

In announcing the endorsement, PAC Chair Dave Neary remarked, “Ahmed Saafir is just the type of consensus-building leader we need on the city council right now.” Mr. Neary continued: “The Chamber PAC is pleased to join with a wide-range of community leaders, including former-Mayor Beverly O’Neal, in supporting Mr. Saafir’s bid for the Council.” Initially the Chamber invited every candidate to interview for the endorsement, “Ahmed rose to the top of the pack, because of his commitment to increased public safety, quality affordable housing and economic development in the 6th District,” noted Chairman of the Board of Directors Byron Schweigert.

The Chamber’s support for Mr. Saafir continues a recent-Chamber trend of endorsing alums of the Chamber’s Candidate’s Academy, which trains potential office-holders for political involvement. Chamber CEO Randy Gordon added: “The Chamber’s Candidate Academy seeks to educate community members within the Long Beach area on all the various components and the sometimes harsh realities of a political campaign. Ahmed is really a text-book example of what the Academy seeks to accomplish—recruiting exemplary candidates to serve the community.”
 

May 25, 2006

The Long Beach Chamber Political Action Committee
Recommends for June 6, 2006 Local and State Ballots:
 

October 28, 2005

Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce City and Mayoral Political Action Committees Announce its Endorsements for the April 11, 2006 City Elections

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Chamber Political Action Committees (LBACC-PAC) (comprising the Long Beach Chamber's Mayoral and City Political Action Committees) today announced its endorsements in the city election races for the April 2006 election. As the stewards of a strong business climate, it is the LBACC-PAC’s responsibility to insure that the business community’s interests are represented in the political decisions of our city. Growing businesses create more jobs for our community and expand the financial base that supports the community services needed by our residences and local businesses.

This year, LBACC-PAC has chosen to begin the endorsement process almost six months in advance versus three months prior in elections. The expedition of this process will allow the LBACC-PAC the opportunity to aggressively assist the endorsed pro-business candidates to help influence the outcome of the election.

“This election is extremely important to our community,” said Randy Gordon, President/CEO of The Chamber. “Moving the endorsement process forward ensures our commitment to these candidates and the people of Long Beach.”

The LBACC-PAC raises funds and endorses pro-business candidates. Our current efforts will be focused on the City of Long Beach local election. After a long and extensive interview process which included seventeen different LBACC-PAC Board members and a total of twenty-one interviews, the Chamber thanks all of the candidates for their time and willingness to participate in the interview process.

“We need to turn Long Beach into a pro-jobs and economic growth community in order to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Dave Neary, Chairman of the Board, LBACC-PAC. “The candidates we endorse today will support economic growth and support bringing jobs to our city.”

Following is background on each of the candidates endorsed today by the LBACC-PAC:

Bob Foster
Candidate for the Mayor
http://www.foster2006.com

Bob Foster is a leader in the business community, with over twenty years experience in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Foster is not only a pro-business candidate, but he has also dedicated his time and effort to many organizations within the City of Long Beach such as member of the California State University Board of Trustees, Aquarium of the Pacific Board of Directors, Memorial Millers Children’s Hospital, Library Foundation Advisory Board and the California Institute. His willingness to take a strong leadership role to work with the city council members and his knowledge of the state and federal government operations will ensure that the City of Long Beach will move forward to become a strong economic city within the region.

"We cannot have a healthy and prosperous Long Beach without a healthy and prosperous business community. I have been a small business owner myself, and I know how important it is for there to be a relationship of mutual trust and respect between the business community and municipal government. I look forward to working with the Chamber to bring great jobs and better opportunities to our community. I am very pleased to have the support and confidence of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce” said Bob Foster.

Gary DeLong
Candidate for the City Council, 3rd District
http://www.DeLongfor3rdDistrict.com

Gary DeLong is an experienced, business friendly candidate. Gary is the President & CEO of The RTP Group, Inc, a telecommunications consulting and management company based in Long Beach. He serves on several organizations and boards within the city, including the Aquarium of the Pacific as a Board of Directors. In addition, he serves as a Commissioner for the Economic Development Commission of the City of Long Beach, a commission appointed by Mayor Beverly O’Neill to help create and foster business development which invigorates the city and provides thousands of jobs. Gary will oppose any new taxes or fees for the residents and businesses within the city.

“It is an honor to have the Chamber’s endorsement,” DeLong said. “The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading chamber in the State of California and is known for its ability to effectively represent the interests of the business community. I am pleased that they have recognized my commitment to job creation, job protection and economic development, and I look forward to working with the Chamber to assist the business community in the 3rd District and citywide.”

Vice Mayor Jackie Kell
Re-election Candidate for the City Council, 5th District

Vice Mayor Kell has a positive record of supporting business issues within our city. She spearheaded a fight to pass the Local Preference Initiative; that gives the local businesses a preferential opportunity to win contracts with the City of Long Beach. This has helped to keep the tax base within the city. Vice Mayor Kell is committed to continue to cutting the red tape at City Hall in order to attract new businesses to our city and create jobs. Specifically, Vice Mayor Kell will continue to oppose tax increases as a solution to our city’s dire financial situation.

Vice Mayor Jackie Kell, who represents the Fifth Council District said, "I'm honored to receive this endorsement from our Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to continuing to work together in supporting our local businesses, as well as creating new and better business and job opportunities in Long Beach."

Alex Cherin
Candidate for the City Council, 7th District
http://www.voteforalex.com

Alex Cherin was born and raised in the City of Long Beach. He is currently a member of the Long Beach Bar Association, Long Beach Bar Foundation, Leadership in Long Beach, Volunteer in Parole, Downtown Buffum YMCA, and the Economic Development Commission of the City of Long Beach. As an Economic Development Commissioner for the City of Long Beach, Alex works to sustain local jobs and promote businesses within the city. Alex is committed to bringing and fostering local businesses to benefit the city. He will bring fresh ideas and oppose all new taxes and fees.

"I want to thank you again for the Chamber endorsement. I am honored to have the backing of such a vital institution to the City of Long Beach. In my capacity as both a lawyer and community activist, I have long admired the dedication and professionalism of the Chamber and its diverse membership. I sincerely appreciate their support of my campaign for City Council. I look forward to the Chamber's continued involvement in many issues including locating and retaining quality businesses for the 7th District and throughout the City” commented Alex Cherin.

Councilman Val Lerch
Re-election Candidate for the City Council, 9th District

http://www.vallerch.com

Councilmember Lerch has proven to be instrumental and influential as a member of the City Council. He is a strong, pro-business councilmember who has garnered broad-based support within the community. Councilmember Lerch has focused his work on job creation and business retention as a priority within his district. The Chamber has appreciated his tireless efforts on behalf of our business community. He has also been an advocate for new businesses by personally involving himself in the recruitment of new business to his district. Councilmember Lerch will take a leadership role in finding comprise to the issues facing the City of Long Beach and its future.

“I’ve always been a friend of business and it is sincerely an honor to be endorsed by the chamber who is by far the leading business organization,” commented Councilman Val Lerch, Candidate for Re-election for the 9th District City Council.

City Prosecutor Tom Reeves
Re-election Candidate for the City Prosecutor
http://www.tomreeves.com

Prosecutor Reeves has proven during his office to be fair, competent and engaged in the community. He was instrumental in implementing the bad check program. Tom understands the importance of keeping crime off the street to protect the residents but also benefit the business community as well. The Chamber has appreciated his tireless efforts on keeping crime off our streets.

"I am very pleased to have the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce endorse me for re-election as City Prosecutor. The Chamber and I share the same priorities - identify the key problems facing our neighborhoods, integrate government and private resources, and work with community leaders to improve our quality of life.” said City Prosecutor Tom Reeves, Candidate for Re-election for the City Prosecutor.

Among the endorsed candidates, the LBACC-PAC has also decided to withhold endorsing or participate in the following races at this time: City Council District 1, City Auditor, and City Attorney.
 

Email Brandon Kline, Vice President for Public Policy for more information

October 28, 2005

Long Beach Press Telegram Lead Editorial:

The chamber's choices
That's what Long Beach needs: strong voices about providing able leadership.

Long Beach's Chamber of Commerce leaders have done it again. Instead of politely staying out of the political fray, they have jumped into the middle of it, not even waiting until all the candidates have filed their papers.
That's our kind of chamber. This is just what Long Beach needs, and not just because the chamber is pro-business. (So are we. Who isn't?)

On these editorial pages we don't always see eye to eye with the chamber's political endorsements, but that's beside the point. There ought to be more strong voices in town like the chamber's: articulating and agitating for the qualities that make a community vital and strong: safe streets, inviting neighborhoods, energetic commerce and good schools.

The chamber's latest foray is a list of endorsements for candidates in Long Beach's local elections. No, not the Nov. 8 statewide special election, which is little more than a week away, but the city election, which is almost six months away. The candidate filing period doesn't end until January.

But why not start early? Help focus the arguments. Draw out the opposition. Stir up some interest, and maybe some excitement.

There are no startling surprises in the chamber's choices, but there are a couple of interesting twists. For example, Bob Foster for mayor. Though the office is nonpartisan, everybody knows Foster is a Democrat, and both of his opponents, Councilman Frank Colonna and former Councilman Doug Drummond, are pro-business Republicans. But Foster is no leftie; he is the former CEO of Southern California Edison, where for better or worse he got more deeply immersed in political and governmental imbroglios than most candidates ever would wish for. An interesting choice from an interesting lineup.

The chamber also is backing Councilwoman Jackie Kell for re-election in the 7th District, which is novel, because Kell is termed out. But as a write-in candidate, she has one of the all-time successes of write-ins as a model: Mayor Beverly O'Neill, who last election ran against two tough candidates and made winning look easy.

Also interesting, though not a surprising choice: Gary DeLong in the 3rd District. Like Foster and real estate broker Colonna, DeLong is a successful businessman, a welcome commodity in Long Beach, where part-time council positions often attract the retired, semi-employed or career politicians. DeLong's telecommunications consulting and management business is taking a secondary role these days while he campaigns for office.

The chamber's other endorsements go to outspoken and forthright 9th District Councilman Val Lerch, who is running for re-election; lawyer and community activist Alex Cherin, who is taking on incumbent Tonia Reyes-Uranga in the 7th District; and incumbent City Prosecutor Tom Reeves.

The chamber says it will decide later about incumbent City Auditor Gary Burroughs, City Attorney Bob Shannon and 1st District Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal. (Is there a message here?)

Early or late, agree or disagree, the chamber deserves credit for jumping in.
 

October 4, 2005

Long Beach Chamber Political Action Committee Hosts First Fundraiser on October 11, 2005 for the Upcoming Long Beach City Council Elections

Join the Long Beach Chamber Political Action Committee’s effort to support pro-business city council candidates for a better Long Beach!
 

Email Brandon Kline, Vice President for Public Policy for more information

September 12, 2005

Long Beach Chamber PAC 2006 City Elections Endorsement Details

Long Beach Chamber Political Action Committee Gears Up for 2006 Elections - Endorsement Process Begins in October 2005. Contact Chamber to Sign Up for Endorsement Interview by September 22, 2005

The upcoming April 2006 election is capturing the interest of the Long Beach business community and this Chamber is receiving inquires about who we will endorse.

The Chamber membership is a very diverse group of businesses throughout Long Beach and its region. The Chamber has members with every political affiliation. The Chamber's political action committees have a long history of endorsing both Democrats and Republicans. The Chamber looks forward to adhering to its standard operating procedure by supporting pro-business candidates that will support the Long Beach business community. The Chamber prides itself on being the leading chamber of commerce in California that effectively represents the interests of the business community. The California Chamber has awarded the Long Beach Chamber as its the “Advocate Partner of the Year” for three consecutive years recognizing the Long Beach Chamber as the best government affairs program in California.

The Long Beach Chamber is currently reviewing candidates who have either declared their candidacy or are exploring the possibility of running for elected office. The Long Beach Chamber would like to know more about you and your reasons for seeking public office.

The deadline to return the questionnaire to the Long Beach Chamber is September 22, 2005. Candidates that do not respond to the questionnaire will not be interviewed.

Upon receipt and review of your questionnaire, you may be contacted in order to conduct an in-person interview in early October 2005. We will only interview candidates that fill out the questionnaire and are supportive of the business community.

David Neary
Chairman
Long Beach Chamber Political Action Committee
Westland Construction, Inc.
 

Long Beach Chamber's Pro-Business Political Action Committee

As the stewards of a strong business climate, it the Long Beach Chamber's responsibility to insure that your interests are being represented in the political decisions of our community.

The Long Beach Chamber's Pro-Business PAC raises funds to support pro-business candidates for a better Long Beach.