Community Coalition Endorses Lee and Fisch for City Council

Culver City Community Coalition has endorsed candidates Daniel Lee and Alex Fisch in their bid for election to the Culver City Council.

Lee and Fisch are among four candidates vying for two City Council seats in a race that will culminate Tuesday, April 10, election day.

All candidates were invited to take part in Community Coalition's endorsement process. Daniel Lee, Alex Fisch and Marcus Tiggs participated; Albert Vera did not.

"It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Culver City Community Coalition, whose vision and goals I wholeheartedly support," Daniel Lee said. "In particular, I am committed to making the health and safety of residents regarding the operation of the Inglewood Oil Field a priority. Equity and representation of all Culver City residents in our local governance is another value I know we share. We can make real inroads in addressing the need for affordable housing in Culver City, with appropriate leadership on the City Council. And, we must also explore the development of a 'renters bill of rights' to realize a Culver City that prizes economic and racial diversity."

In learning of his endorsement, Alex Fisch said: "Culver City Community Coalition embodies my belief that our city's greatest assets are our diverse and talented residents. "Community Coalition's passionate members strengthen our community by supporting improved access to affordable housing, sustainable environmental policies and increased participatory democracy. I'm honored and grateful for the Coalition's support in the upcoming election. As a council member, I look forward to working with the Coalition to pursue better housing and transportation options, protect our community from the health and safety threats posed by the Inglewood Oil Field, and eradicate homelessness from Culver City."

Former Culver City Mayor Gary Silbiger, a Community Coalition member, recently described what makes an outstanding elected official:

"Since setting policy is a major part of a Council member's responsibility, a candidate should have taken the time prior to the election to publicly provide meaningful suggestions to Culver City's burning issues, such as the Culver City Oil Fields, the City's General Plan update, development, and affordable housing, just to name a few. Likewise, a valuable City Council member will be compassionate towards all residents."

"

Among the members of the Community Coalition endorsement committee were Deborah Weinrauch, Prisca Gloor, James Province, Carlene Brown, and Patricia Bijvoet. They were interviewed shortly after the endorsements were made.

James Province, a social worker and father, has spoken out publicly against police drones and surveillance cameras.

"I support Daniel Lee and Alex Fisch for Culver City Council because they have demonstrated a commitment to civil liberties and privacy in both Culver City and the region," Province said. "They understand that police drones and license plate cameras pose a potential threat to those liberties, and they are committed to safeguards and thorough accountability for their use and for the information and data that are collected."

Daniel Lee is a social worker who received his graduate degree from UCLA. He is also an alumnus of USC and a veteran of the US Air Force and Air National Guard. He has volunteered for 14 years with Culver City students, and continues to serve on the Culver City Martin Luther King Celebration Committee. The only renter among the four candidates, he has resided in Culver City for 15 years.

Alex Fisch is a California Deputy Attorney General specializing in environmental law. A graduate of UC Berkeley and UCLA Law School, he is chair of the Culver City Committee on Homelessness. He sits on the board of the Rancho-Higuera Neighborhood Association, and is a member of BikeCulverCity. He is the father of two children who attend CCUSD schools.

Daniel Lee and Alex Fisch provided extensive written answers to Community Coalition's questions. The complete text

is available on the Community Coalition website: http://www.culvercitycommunitycoalition.net.

Readers can also visit the candidates' websites: http://www.danielwaynelee.com and http://www.alexfisch.com .