Herlinda Chico can now add Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and California Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell to her list of endorsements in the upcoming 4th District Special Election.
“I am proud to join our Police Officers and Firefighters to support Herlinda Chico for City Council,” said Garcia in a statement Thursday. “Herlinda loves Long Beach and is ready to lead on day one. She will be a great partner as we work to keep our city safe and invest in our neighborhoods. She was a strong supporter of my campaign for Mayor, so it’s great to be able to support her positive campaign for council.”
Garcia joins 7 of the 8 current Councilmembers who have already voiced their support for Chico.
“I’m honored to have received the endorsement of our Mayor,” said Chico. “Mayor Garcia has been a great leader in bringing all voices to the table to tackle tough issues like the city budget and pension reform. His commitment to expanding park space and investing in technology is moving Long Beach forward. I am excited to partner with him to make Long Beach the greatest big city in America.”
O’Donnell, who vacated the 4th District seat part way through his 3rd term on City Council after being elected to the State Assembly last November, triggering a special election which the city estimates will cost upward of $175,000, announced his endorsement of Chico as his successor on Wednesday.
“I am proud to endorse Herlinda Chico for Long Beach City Council. I know that she will continue the work I started in protecting our neighborhoods, fighting for economic development, investing in public safety, and funding our parks,” O’Donnell said in a statement.
“Fourth District residents need somebody who is willing to stand up and protect us from the threat of unnecessary airport expansion and attempted attacks on our noise ordinance. As your former Councilmember, I know that Herlinda will deliver for us,” he continued.
“I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell,” Chico said in a statement. “Patrick worked very hard to earn the respect of the community. The fact that he has placed his trust in me and has endorsed me to be his successor on the city council is a responsibility that I take to heart. I look forward to working with him on behalf of the residents of the 4th District to continue the great progress and to fight to protect our neighborhoods and our quality of life.”
The Special Municipal Election is being held April 14, 2015, to fill the 4th District City Council seat vacated by O’Donnell.