News

Chamber wants Foster for mayor
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Press-Telegram Staff Reports
10/28/2005

LONG BEACH - The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's Political Action Committee on Thursday endorsed former Southern California Edison President Bob Foster for mayor of Long Beach.

Chamber members praised Foster as a pro-business candidate with solid community service credentials. He is a member of the California State University Board of Trustees and is on the boards of Miller Children's Hospital and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

"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," the chamber said in a press release.

Foster is running against 3rd District Councilman Frank Colonna and former Councilman Doug Drummond.

"We cannot have a healthy and prosperous Long Beach without a healthy and prosperous business community," Foster said. "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."

When the endorsement came out, Colonna issued a statement arguing that his reluctance to expand Long Beach Airport decreased his chances of an endorsement.

"I knew I would not receive the Chamber endorsement months ago when I voted against their plan to super-size the airport," Colonna said. "No special-interest group will influence me. I am running for mayor to support our neighborhoods and the people of Long Beach."

Drummond, who was traveling out of state, could not be reached for comment. His campaign manager, Tracy Kittinger, argued with timing of the endorsements so far ahead of the election.

"I would just say it's extremely premature," she said.

The chamber PAC began the endorsement process almost six months in advance versus three months prior in elections.

"Moving the endorsement process forward ensures our commitment to these candidates and the people of Long Beach," said Randy Gordon, president/CEO of the chamber.

In addition to candidates for mayor, the chamber endorsed business consultant Gary DeLong in the Belmont Shore-area 3rd District; Vice Mayor Jackie Kell in the Eastside's 5th District; Long Beach Bar Association member Alex Cherin for the 7th District seat held by incumbent Tonia Reyes Uranga; North Long Beach's 9th District Councilman Val Lerch for re-election; and City Prosecutor Tom Reeves' re-election.

The chamber PAC withheld endorsements in the downtown 1st District race and those for city auditor and city attorney.