Long Beach City Councilmember Al Austin has endorsed Herlinda Chico for the open 4^th District City Council seat, Chico’s campaign announced in a statement today.

“I’m proud to support Herlinda Chico for City Council,” said 8th District representative Austin in the statement. “Herlinda understands the need to vigilantly protect our airport noise ordinance and why it is so important to quality of life for our neighborhoods.  I know Herlinda will be a strong partner on airport related issues and other important matters facing our city.”

According to the statement, Austin, who has served on City Council since 2012, “has been at the forefront in preserving the Noise Compatibility Ordinance at the airport.”

“I’m deeply honored to have received the support of Councilmember Austin in my campaign for City Council,” said Chico in the statement.  “I’ve known Al for quite a long time and I have come to respect his judgment and wisdom on issues affecting our city.  I agree with Al and look forward to working with him to ensure that any proposal to alter the noise ordinance does not happen.”

Austin is the latest in a growing list of high-profile endorsements Chico has gained, which includes Councilmembers Lena Gonzalez, Suzie Price and Rex Richardson, as well as the Long Beach Police Officers Association; State Senator Ricardo Lara; Retired State Senator Betty Karnette; Long Beach Unified School District board members Megan Kerr and John McGinnis; and Long Beach Community College Board of Trustees Member Sunny Zia.

Chico is running in the 4th District Special Election being held to fill the empty seat left by former Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell, who was elected to the State Assembly in November.  The special election is scheduled for April 14, 2015, and the city estimates it will cost about $6.50 per voter, or upward of $175,000.