DOWNEY - The city of Downey has extended its contract with Washington, D.C.-based political consultants Edington, Peel & Associates for an additional year.Edington, Peel & Associates has represented the interests of Downey in Washington, D.C. since 1997, and provided "valuable counsel" in the city's effort to acquire and develop the former NASA site, city officials said. The city pays $3,850 monthly for the company's services. The firm facilitates meetings with Congress members and federal agencies, and has been instrumental in helping the city obtain grants for the Columbia Memorial Space Center, said Shannon DeLong, assistant to the city manager. "Along with work related to the Columbia Memorial Space Center, (James Dykstra, a principal with Edington, Peel & Associates) continues to monitor and provide strategic advice regarding the status of Congressional and executive matters that affect Downey's interests," DeLong wrote in a report. "Most recently, Mr. Dykstra has provided input with regards to the stimulus funds currently being allocated in Washington." The city did not renew its contract with consultant Carpi Clay & Smith at a savings of $33,000 this year.

********** Published: June 30, 2011 - Volume 11 - Issue 10