The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (LBACC-PAC), the separate political action committee entity of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, is responsible for ensuring that Long Beach business interests are being represented in the political decisions of our community.
 

The LBACC-PAC raises funds to support pro-jobs candidates for a better Long Beach. To date the LBACC-PAC has not used any Long Beach Chamber membership revenue to fund LBACC-PAC endorsed candidates.

The LBACC-PAC board members interviewed candidates running for the Long Beach Unified School District School Board District 1 race for the election to be held on April 13, 2010.
 

The LBACC-PAC board of directors unanimously endorsed Mary Stanton for re-election to the Long Beach Unified School District School Board to represent District 1. Stanton is a long-time community leader and is a distinguished school board member serving nearly two decades on the Board of Education. Stanton is endorsed by former Mayor Beverly O’Neill and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, and has also received the unanimous support of all of her Board of Education colleagues.
 

We have worked closely with Mary for nearly two decades. She is a strong leader when it comes to standing up against Sacramento politicians raiding the LBUSD’s limited resources. LBUSD has shaved off over $100 million in expenses in recent years and much of the leadership attributed to that effort is credited to Stanton. As the current President of the Board of Education, Stanton worked closely with the Superintendent and staff to protect the quality of education while at the same time cutting costs where necessary. Under Stanton’s leadership, LBUSD has become one of the most recognized and award-winning school districts in the nation. Finally, Stanton is committed to increasing partnerships with the Long Beach business community by increasing the number of business partners to well over 1,000.

Mary said earlier this week, “I am honored to earn the LBACC-PAC endorsement. I look forward to working closely with the Chamber to increase business partnerships and improve our local schools. Also, the Chamber has made education one of its top three public policy priorities in 2010 and we will work together to seek results to the many challenges that face the future of our great community – our young people"...

...and that’s Strictly Business.
 

Randy Gordon
President and CEO
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

About the LBACC-PAC Interview Process

The LBACC-PAC decided a few years ago to engage in the political process early in order to maximize the efforts to secure the successful election of our endorsed candidates. The LBACC-PAC is always open to anyone interested in running to ensure every current candidate has the opportunity to interview for an endorsement consideration.

Questions

The LBACC-PAC board of directors asked the District 1 School Board candidates the following questions:

• Can you tell us a little about yourself, your background in Long Beach, and why you are interested in running for the LBUSD School Board?

• If elected, what will be your top priorities? What measures will you use to gauge if you have been successful in addressing them? If they cost money, how would you pay for them?

• What specific plans do you have to deal with the LBUSD recent announcement of laying off up to 750 LBUSD faculty members?

• What specific plans to you have to deal with LBUSD decreased state funding? What are your thoughts on parcel taxes to fund shortfalls?

• A recent study, based on fourth grade reading and eighth grade math scores, showed that LBUSD was the most improved urban district in the state, and the fourth most improved in the nation. What specific plans do you have to maintain educational quality and to continue to improve these scores?
 

January 26, 2009

Long Beach Chamber Political Action Committee Endorses Robert Garcia for Long Beach City Council

“Current challenges call for a candidate that can work with both sides of an issue to seek the best compromise possible. Robert Garcia is that candidate.”

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (LBACC-PAC) Board of Directors announces its support of Robert Garcia for the Long Beach City Council First District seat. Garcia is running in the April 7, 2009 Special Election.

The LBACC-PAC Board endorsed Garcia because of his commitment to attracting quality retailers, retaining businesses, creating new jobs, and his strong focus on revitalizing business corridors.

“The Chamber’s political action committee plays an important role representing the interests of businesses in our city’s political process by supporting pro-jobs candidates,” said Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Chamber and Secretary of the LBACC-PAC. “Garcia’s enthusiasm and commitment to strengthening our local economy is exactly what we are looking for in a candidate for the First District,” continued Gordon.

Garcia is the Dean of Student Affairs at Long Beach City College and has taught Communication Studies at both Cal State Long Beach and Long Beach City College. Garcia and his neighbors founded the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, a Downtown neighborhood association working closely on public safety, economic development, and environmental issues.

“After interviewing several candidates running for the First Council District, we unanimously agreed that Robert is the right candidate to address the issues that are of concern to both residents and businesses,” stated Dave Neary, Chairman of the LBACC-PAC. “Current challenges call for a candidate that can work with both sides of an issue to seek the best compromise possible. Robert Garcia is that candidate,” continued Neary.
 

Log on to www.RobertGarcia.com for more information on Garcia.

March 24, 2008

Chamber Visits Districts, Endorses Council, School Board Candidates

Long Beach has many issues to deal with to make the city more business friendly, but some areas of the city are ready for good times.

Small Business Caravans

(L to R) Matt Kinley discusses business with Podiatrist Dr. Eric Hubbard, along with 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews, Randy Gordon, and Deputy City Manager Reggie Harrison as part of the Small Business Caravan initiative.

We have recently completed The Chamber’s Small Business Caravans to the 6th and 8th Districts. The purpose is to visit with business owners in each of the council districts and give them the opportunity to explain the challenges they face, and to give them information about the programs designed to help small businesses offered by the City of Long Beach and The Chamber.

Both Council members Dee Andrews and Rae Gabelich gave Chamber and City officials tours of their major business areas and potential development sites. In both districts, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency has begun ambitious projects to make the neighborhoods better for their citizens. We also visited a number of small businesses and found hard working people who hire local employees.

The Small Business Caravan stopped by 6th District businesses including the Grand Prix headquarters. (L to R) Matt Kinley, Randy Gordon, Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian, and
Councilman Dee Andrews.

We spent a morning with Councilman Dee Andrews in the 6th District. As he tells us, he’s one of The Chamber’s best friends on the City Council. He certainly shares The Chamber’s goals of bringing jobs to the city. "My number one goal is to bring jobs to this part of the city,” Councilman Andrews commented.

We visited important enterprises in the district, including the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, International City Racing, Office of Dr. Eric Hubbard, Northgate Supermarkets, and Buono’s Pizzeria, concluding with lunch at Buono’s. Each of these businesses contribute to the economic vitality of the city.

In the 8th District, we visited with the owners of Johnnie Reb’s, a popular restaurant on Long Beach Boulevard which was recently gutted by a fire. The owners are committed to rebuilding the restaurant and keeping this important North Long Beach landmark thriving. A grand re-opening is expected soon.

Other business visits included Tuttle Cameras, Sweet Treasures and Nino’s Italian Restaurant, where we wrapped up our day and enjoyed a great lunch with some of the other 8th District business owners.

Chamber Endorses Dee Andrews
 

Dee Andrews earned The Chamber’s unanimous endorsement to be re-elected to the City Council. He’s been in office for just over six months and in that time it was clear to us that the single most important goal for his district is to bring more jobs. Dee understands what we understand that the economic vitality of Long Beach and especially his district is priority
number one. The Chamber took note of Andrews’ successful job fair this past year as a specific accomplishment which strengthened his commitment to attracting, retaining and recruiting jobs to the Sixth District.

We were inspired and proud to see just how passionate Dee is about bringing jobs to his district.

Chamber Endorses Jon Meyer and Felton Williams
 

Incumbents Dr. Felton Williams and Jon Meyer also earned our unanimous support in their re-election bid for the Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education, particularly for their experience and commitment
to education in Long Beach. These two candidates are 100% committed to putting students first and they are not focused on running for higher office. They are determined to maintain the status of our school district as one of the best in the country.

Under Williams and Meyer’s leadership, Long Beach Unified School District is one of the leading urban school districts in the nation, winning the Broad Prize in Education in 2003 and becoming a finalist last year. The election is on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 for the 6th District City Council and District 2 and 4 of the Long Beach Unified School District Board. Make sure you get out and vote.

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
 

Long Beach Chamber's

Political Action Committee

The Long Beach Chamber's Political Action committee is responsible for insuring that Long Beach business interests are being represented in the political decisions of our community. The PAC raises funds to support pro-jobs candidates for a better Long Beach. The PAC does not use Long Beach Chamber membership revenue to fund PAC endorsed candidates.