(May 16, 2002) -- State Senator Betty Karnette (D, Long Beach) has endorsed Tonia Reyes Uranga in the June 4th runoff for the 7th district Council seat.

The Uranga campaign released a written statement quoting the veteran LB state legislator as saying:

"Tonia’s experience creating jobs and keeping kids out of trouble is what Long Beach needs on the City Council, Tonia will work hard to make sure our neighborhoods are well represented and get the resources they need to keep our streets safe."

Ms. Uranga said, "Throughout my campaign, I have pledged to work with State representatives to keep our streets, river and air quality clean and safe. Senator Karnette has demonstrated that environmental protection and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive."

Ms. Uranga has also been endorsed by LB area Assemblymeber Alan Lowenthal (D, Long Beach) and the 7th district's term-limited incumbent Councilman Ray Grabinski.

In the April 9 four-candidate primary election contest, Ms. Uranga received roughly 30% of the vote, finishing second to former Councilman Mike Donelon who pulled roughly 40% of the vote.