Council candidates will face off in one of their first forums of the election season tonight, but the oddly titled "Town Hall" event isn't open to the public or the press, and three candidates say they never received an invitation. The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor held the event for its members at a Lakewood union hall.
However, 9th District candidate Dan Pressburg, 7th District candidate Jack Smith and 3rd District incumbent Councilman Gary DeLong -- the only Republican on the council -- said they weren't invited. Federation of Labor political director Rusty Hicks said every candidate was invited and those that were interested were asked to RSVP.
"An invitation went out in the month of the December to all candidates who had declared through the (City) Clerk's office," Hicks said.
Of the 14 candidates running for council offices, 1st District candidate Jana Shields and 5th District candidate Mike Hedges -- both political conservatives -- also weren't listed as attendees. A spokesman for Hedges said that the candidate had received an invitation but declined.
Shields couldn't be reached for comment.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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