Merced Chamber endorses newcomers for city council

Merced's business community is supporting four newcomers for Merced City Council in November's elections.

The Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday it is supporting Bill Blake for mayor, and Mike Murphy, Tony Dossetti and Richard Cervantes for city council.

Blake is on the council, but he's running for mayor against incumbent Bill Spriggs. Murphy, Dossetti and Cervantes are political newcomers.

The chamber's government review committee interviewed all candidates with the exception of Carl Pollard, who declined the interview, according to a press release. Each candidate was asked a set of eight questions, with topics ranging from public safety to economic development and high-speed rail.

The chamber does not operate a political action committee and won't contribute money to any of the campaigns.