Chamber of Commerce Endorses O’Leary, Weissman, Clarke and Malsin

The Culver City Chamber of Commerce has thrown its support behind Mayor Micheal O’Leary, Councilmember Andrew Weissman, Jim Clarke and former councilmember Scott Malsin, for the upcoming April 10 city council elections.

With only four seats up for grabs and six candidates in the running, community organizer Meghan Sahli-Wells and energy consultant Stephen Murray found themselves without the Chamber’s backing.

“The four endorsed candidates showed the best understanding of the city’s financial situation and the very real issues we are facing as well as speaking knowledgeably of the future of Culver City post the closure of the redevelopment agency,” Board Chair Goran Eriksson stated in a press release, adding, “This is not the time to learn on the job.”

Following the announcement, Murray told Patch in an email that he was disappointed "that the Chamber has chosen to support the very same council members that have been responsible for the continuance of the financial problems that are draining our reserves." However, he added, "It was a pleasure to meet the Chamber's members and I look forward to working with them in the future."

In choosing the four candidates the Chamber issued a statement highlighting what it sees as the positive attributes each brings to the table:

Micheal O’Leary: “One of O’Leary’s great assets that he brings to the city council is his knowledge of the hospitality business, which is one of the largest revenue areas in the city’s budget.  We know that tourism will be one of the leading business segments that will lead the nation and our city out of this long-lasting downturn.”

Andrew Weissman: “Was endorsed because of his complete knowledge of the Culver City community, his demonstrated leadership in the past four years as a councilmember and community member being involved in the Culver-Palms Y and the Culver City Rotary Club.”

Jim  Clarke: “Is a longtime resident of Culver City, with a vast experience in the legislative process by currently serving Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on federal matters and previously serving as former Congress member Diane Watson’s Chief of Staff. [He] brings these unique qualities at a time of great financial challenges for the city.”

Scott Malsin: “Brings his knowledge of the city budget and finance to the table as well as his specific understanding of the issues of small business and local residential issues.  During his time on the city council he worked with fellow council members on the success of Westfield Culver City and bringing this spring the EXPO Light rail to our city.”

Interviews with the candidates will be available to view on the Chamber of Commerce website at www.culvercitychamber.com on Feb 6.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include a response from Stephen Murray.

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