3:30pm | Daryl Supernaw released a letter via e-mail on Tuesday, confirming his intent to continue his campaign for the 4th District City Council seat. Pertinent parts of the letter are reprinted below:

Dear 4th District neighbors and friends,

First, I would like to thank everyone for your support, endorsements, financial contributions and for volunteering to sign my nomination paper. The response has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated.

Second, I would like to assure everyone that I remain fully committed to winning this election and serving as your next councilman. The events of the last few days have increased my resolve and further convinced me that we need new leadership.

For those who have not heard, Patrick O’Donnell, who is termed out, has abandoned his bid for state Assembly and has announced a “write-in” campaign for the 4th District council seat. The story appeared in today’s Press-Telegram: http://www.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_19707415

Many of you know that Councilmember O’Donnell and I have supported each other over the years and worked together on many projects. With that in mind, I believe 4th District voters are entitled to an explanation of how we arrived at this point. I try to approach every situation with honesty and forthrightness, so I’ll simply relay what has transpired between Patrick O’Donnell and myself over the past several months.

Last June, he and I began talking about his run for Assembly and my run for city council. In conversations over the months, he both encouraged and guided me through the process of starting a campaign. I made it clear all along that my running for council was contingent on his running for Assembly, and he confirmed his commitment every time I asked. This was a critical issue to me, so I gave him and entire month to change his mind. He formally announced for Assembly in late August, and I made my announcement for city council in late September. In every conversation since that time, I received nothing but encouragement from Patrick about my campaign.

Last Thursday afternoon, I received a call from Patrick, and he told me he was “considering” a write-in campaign for another council term. I was dumbfounded, and he was on a family vacation, so it was a short conversation. I assumed we would talk further when he arrived home. The next morning, less that 24 hours after his call, a press release announcing his “decision” to run appeared in an online publication.

Now that the explanation has been provided, I would like to move forward with the campaign. In an election, I believe commitment means when you say you are running for office, you keep that commitment regardless of who announces to run against you. If elected, I promise to serve my full term and not seek higher office. I also promise to be an independent voice for the 4th District, and my votes on issues over these next four years will be what is best for the constituents, not what is best for the next office. I will serve with honesty and integrity, and my word will always be my bond.

January 7, 3:17pm | John Watkins, released the following statement to the Long Beach Post today in response to Patrick O’Donnell’s announcement that he will be running as a write-in candidate for a third term in City Council:

The residents of Long Beach voted for term limits in Nov of 92. Although Councilman O’Donnell has served the city well during the last 8 years, the city obviously still has many problems. It’s time for a change in leadership, and I think it’s unfortunate that he’s not honoring the vote of the people. We should ask if this council run is just a fill in for the next two years, until a possible open Assembly run at that time. I have had the honor of serving the city of Long Beach, for 29 years as a police officer, and am commited to this election and serving this great city as their 4th district councilman.”

Watkins describes his platform as “protecting essential services such as Public Safety (not just [police], but fire and public services that keep our city functioning 24/7) and a reduction in government spending”.

January 7, 10:00am | Herlinda Chico released the following statement to the Long Beach Post today:

Councilmember O’Donnell is a friend and as I said from the beginning of my campaign my intention was to continue his good work and strong leadership.  Now that he has announced he will run for a third term to represent the 4th council district, I have decided to suspend my City Council campagin indefinitely.  Councilmember O’Donnell has been a great member of the City Council and he has my full support.  I look forward to continuing our work together for the 4th District.”

January 6, 11:53am | Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell’s office disseminated the following press release earlier today:

Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell today announced his write-in candidacy for the Fourth District City council seat. He will not pursue a seat in the State Assembly.

He cites the need for city leaders to think long-term and support recent budget and other fiscal reforms as his reason for entering the race. He believes the city should continue a focus on the basics, such as the need to continue more street and sidewalk repair. O’Donnell has a proven record of focusing on neighborhoods, ensuring rapid public safety response times, and supporting more money for street, sidewalk, and other needed infrastructure repairs. A believer in open and accessible government, he is the only Councilmember to hold a public monthly meeting to allow residents to share their concerns.

He is father of two school-age children and a high school teacher. He uses his experience as a teacher and parent to ensure support for afterschool programs and maintaining our parks and youth recreation programs. He is married to Jennifer, a small business owner. Born in Long Beach, he grew up playing Los Altos Little League in El Dorado Park, where his children now play AYSO soccer.

“With me, you know what you are getting. I am a straight shooter that has worked hard to balance the city budget by instilling reforms and long-term thinking into the city budget process, both of which are too often left behind in the era of term limits. ”

As a strong advocate for his district and policies that benefit the entire city. His work includes the following:

o Maintaining Rapid Public Safety Response Times
o Placing a cover over the Atherton Street Ditch
o Supporting afterschool Youth and Park Programs
o Acquiring and Restoring the Los Cerritos Wetlands
o Ensuring 90% of reported graffiti is Wiped Out within 24-hours
o Leading the effort to lower and ensure competitive Business License Fees
o Keeping Community Hospital open and emergency healthcare available to the eastside.

O’Donnell was elected to the City Council in 2004. In 2008, he ran unopposed for the 4th District Council seat.

Editor’s note: The Long Beach Post is aware that other City Council members hold frequent meetings in their respective districts.

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