Jim Lewis for Council Campaign Update

After the second campaign filings are in, I still have 100% funding from those who live and/or work in LB. More than 60% more than two candidates and 45% more than the highest fundraiser. I am blessed with a lot of people in Long Beach who trust me. This overwhelms me, knowing that I am truly connected with the community.

Thank you to those who are part of this campaign!

Here is the latest news release going out on endorsements:

Former Long Beach Chief of Police & Local Author Endorse Jim Lewis for Council

Long Beach, CA—Two respected local leaders provided unsolicited endorsements for Jim Lewis this week.

Former Long Beach Police Chief, Carl J. Calkins provided an endorsement for Jim Lewis in an e-mail on Sunday to close friends and residents of the Third Council District.

“I have known Jim from his work in Coachella Valley and Long Beach and he is a man of great integrity and holds these highest values of service to the community.  His experience of leadership with both Desert and Long Beach Rescue Missions makes him extremely qualified.” This is my unsolicited opinion, Carl J. Calkins.

Calkins, who served as Chief of Police, is also a part-time resident of Palm Desert, where Jim Lewis moved from in 2006 to serve as president and chief executive officer of Long Beach Rescue Mission.

Lewis was surprised to receive a copy of the unexpected e-mail from Calkins. “Unbeknownst to me, Calkins, a fellow resident of Palm Desert, watched my rise to leadership in the communities of the Coachella Valley over ten years, and then for the past seven years in Long Beach. I am humbled and appreciative of Chief Calkins’ trust in me and my leadership.”

Mick Ukleja, an author, President and CEO of LeadershipTraQ, and founder of the Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership at CSULB also gave Lewis a wake-up e-mail today with his endorsement:  

“Passion without compassion is simply ambition. Jim is gifted with a passion to get things done, yet his passion is always fueled by his compassion to serve others. I have observed that Jim always adds value to people and projects. His insights, ability to cast a picture of the future that is easily bought into, and his gift of leveraging the strengths of his team, are qualities that transfer from one industry to another. I've experienced Jim doing this in the not for profit world, and I'm excited for his leadership to expand his influence in the public sector. Jim comes with my highest recommendation!”

Lewis said he is humbled by an endorsement from someone as noted a leader as Ukleja. “This encourages me in my abilities to lead. I’m thankful.”

Another recent notable endorsement came from former Third District candidate, Dr. Lionel Gatley, Educator, LBUSD Wilson High School, (retired).

Lewis states that what makes these more unexpected in that he makes it a practice not to ask outright for an endorsement, but suggests if someone feels he has earned their trust, to consider supporting his campaign.

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