Chamber Supports Clarke and Cooper

Following a comprehensive and deliberative candidate selection process, the Culver City Chamber of Commerce has announced it has endorsed incumbents Jim Clarke and Jeff Cooper in the upcoming Culver City Council race.

Councilman Clarke and Mayor Cooper received the endorsement after a review process that included written responses on the important issues, a review of each candidate's record of public service and an interview conducted by the Chamber.

The Chamber interviewed all four candidates for the two available seats on the April ballot, and Chamber Chairman Bill Reider said Clarke and Cooper stood out.

"During their time in office, both Jim and Jeff have shown leadership, fiscal responsibility and an understanding of economic development," said Reider. "Each has worked closely with local businesses and the community as a whole to create new opportunities for our city and to address the critical issue of business attraction and retention."

The Chamber, Culver City's leading business organization with nearly 700 members, previously endorsed both candidates in their last runs for office.

"Both Jim and Jeff have proven that the trust we placed in them previously was well-deserved," Reider said. "From balancing the city budget to spurring economic revitalization to protecting the quality of life in Culver City, they both have a knowledge of the important issues and a track record of innovation and fiscal responsibility that has benefited every resident of Culver City."

Chamber President/CEO Steven J. Rose said the Culver City Chamber Political Action Committee (ChamberPAC) will make contributions to each candidate in the coming weeks.

"I'd like to thank the trustees of the PAC and our board of directors for their thorough review of the candidates' records, and I would like to thank all of the candidates for their willingness to throw their hats into the ring, the time they set aside for our interview process and their commitment to public service," Rose said. "We look forward to continuing the outstanding relationship the Chamber has with our elected leaders and to working with them to assure that Culver City remains a great place in which to do business."