Former mayor to steady ship amid elections
A former mayor with strong ties to the community, Nat Trives took over as chairman of the local chamber of commerce Thursday, indicating he would work diligently to repair and build relationships during what promises to be a contentious election season.
More than tackling any one issue, Nat Trives, 69, said he looks forward to channeling the talent of key leaders from various backgrounds to address Santa Monica’s needs.
“We have CEOs and top leadership, and we’re going to tap their talent as far as whatever the city’s work is, as far as the chamber’s concerned,” Trives said after an installation ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Marina del Rey. “You could travel all over the country and I doubt you could find a town of 85,000 people as involved as Santa Monica — and I travel all over.”
Trives, who was approached by chamber leaders and asked to serve as chairman, said he hopes to facilitate more fluid communication and, ultimately, stronger ties between the business community and leaders from Santa Monica College, the local school district and City Hall. In his work, Trives will depend on his background as a politician, teacher and administrator.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 12, 2004. Read the original PDF.