The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday the endorsement of Los Angeles school board member Tamar Galatzan in the Los Angeles City Council district race to replace newly elected city Controller Wendy Greuel.

The endorsement was made by the Los Angeles Jobs Political Action Committee on Tuesday after it had interviewed the three leading candidates for the San Fernando Valley council seat. The other two leading candidates are state Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, D-Burbank, and Christine Essel, former Paramount Pictures executive and city redevelopment agency board member. Seven other candidates are also seeking the seat.

“Our PAC felt that Tamar’s independence, knowledge of the issues and longstanding ties to the Second District make her the best candidate in this crowded field,” said Gary Toebben, the chamber’s chief executive. “Our PAC was impressed by Tamar’s commitment to fighting for good-paying jobs, protecting taxpayer money and improving the city’s quality of life.

The Central City Association has endorsed rival candidate Christine Essel, who has long served on that organization’s board. The Valley Industry and Commerce Association is hosting a candidate forum on Friday but does not plan to make an endorsement. The Los Angeles County Business Federation also is not making an endorsement in the race.

Galatzan was elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District board two years ago. Her husband, Brendan Huffman, served as legislative advocate for the Los Angeles chamber and as chief executive of VICA.