Culver City Democratic Club chooses Puza and Small for Council

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a Press Release submitted by an outside source. Culver Crescent has not and will not endorse candidates or Measures during Elections. Information published about elections is intended to be informational and should not be interpreted as a demonstration of support for any candidate or cause.

The Culver City Democratic Club, the city’s original Democratic Club, founded in 1952, has completed its endorsements for the local offices in this fall’s election. Members have chosen Freddy Puza and Thomas Small for City Council and Triston Ezidore, Brian Guerrero, and Stephanie Loredo for the Board of Education.

Incumbent Councilmember, current Mayor, and former Democratic Club Vice President Puza requested early endorsement, which club members gave him at their May 13 meeting. The three incumbent School Board members were endorsed following the June 10 meeting.

After the club’s August 12 meeting, members voted on their second Council endorsement, for the seat vacated by Dan O’Brien, who chose to take a job with the Chamber of Commerce rather than seek to continue in public service.

Former Mayor Thomas Small, whom the club supported in his successful 2016 campaign, won in a landslide with 81% of the vote. Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin was second with 10%, 7% preferred “no endorsement,” and Kimberley Griffin received 1%.

Club Past President Jeff Schwartz, who coordinated the endorsement process, noticed many members were impressed by Small’s readiness to participate in the club’s candidate forum. Griffin did not respond to the invitation, and Winsosky Stehlin backed out the night of the event.

Schwartz added: “Our members recognized that Puza and Small are experienced progressive leaders who combine intellect and compassion to work for the entire community. We encourage Culver City voters to join us in supporting these outstanding candidates.”

For a full list of Culver City Democratic Club endorsements, past and current, visit the Culver City Democratic Club website.