The first hometown endorsement of the City Council election season was entirely formful.
In selections that could have been correctly predicted months ago, the Culver City Chamber of Commerce announced this morning it will endorse Scott Malsin, the only incumbent in the April 13 race, and second-time contender Jeff Cooper for the two seats that are in play.
They are the only businessmen in the four-person field.
In a statement issued over the signature of Steve Rose, Chamber President and CEO, the 18 members of the 29-person board present for yesterday’s separate interviewing process, a majority concluded that:
“Scott Malsin and Jeff Cooper (in that order) have the broadest knowledge of municipal functions and finances. Their involvement with the city over the years has given them the credibility worthy of our endorsement.”
The Chamber passed over Meghan Sahli-Wells and Robert Zirgulis, who totaled two votes.
Three of the four candidates interviewed— except for Ms. Sahli-Wells — were videotaped and prepared for YouTube airings. But the link had not been established by the noon hour.
Mr. Rose said the Chamber board represents a cross-section of the community. While 24 of the 29 members own or represent businesses, half (14) live in Culver City and almost half (13) are women. They also span the ages, three being too old to be Baby Boomers and 15 being younger than Baby Boomers.
