Vice President of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and “Good Neighbor Award” winner Ben Daugherty announced his candidacy last week for the 9th District council seat, currently held by Steven Neal.
Daugherty moved to Long Beach in 1986 and has lived in the 9th District since 2000. He became highly involved with the community, most recently volunteering with the Red Cross and the Veterans Day Parade Committee.
Though he has never before run for government office, Daugherty says he was compelled to run for City Council after segments of the community who felt disenfranchised said his “leadership skills, experience and integrity” could improve 9th District representation.
In a press release, Daugherty vows to make his district safer, cleaner and more prosperous through his organizational an budgetary skills practiced from the various grass-roots organizations and events he has lead through the years. Daugherty believes representing residents and local businesses is paramount over special interest groups.
In addition to community service, Daugherty served in the United States Navy from 1986 until 1991. In 2012 and 2013, Daugherty’s contributions to the Veteran’s Independence Day Celebrations brought over 400 volunteers an over $80T in monetary and in donations to the VA Long Beach Healthcare System. The funds raised by Daugherty’s contribution allegedly helped feed and thank over 2,500 Long Beach veterans and their families.
In his work with CERT, Daugherty also works closely with local Fire Departments educating locals on how to prepare for a disaster.
Also vying for the 9th District council seat is Steve Neal’s current chief of staff Rex Richardson.
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