COUNTYWIDE : Association Honors Rancho Simi District

Jerry Gladden believes that when it comes to government, smaller is more effective than larger.

“Some people think that bigger government is better government, but I don’t believe that’s so,” said Gladden, of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, who has been recognized for contributions to his group.

The Ventura County Special Districts Assn., representing a group of independent, nonprofit, largely grass-roots and self-governing organizations, honored Gladden and three others recently.

Gladden said he is proud that his district puts virtually all its resources into its operations.

“Every dollar we get goes straight back into the park because there’s no place else we can put it,” Gladden said. He said local districts that carry out a single function are “more efficient.”

Others honored were James Meredith, association president; Mark Jacobsen, association board member, and state Sen. Gary Hart (D-Santa Barbara).

Independent special districts are usually formed by area residents to provide local services, such as resource conservation, mosquito abatement, drainage and health care. The association’s purpose is to improve the organization of and communication among the 33 special districts of Ventura County.

Two other districts were also honored: the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District for its curbside recycling program at Hollywood Beach, Silver Strand and Hollywood-by-the-Sea, and the Oxnard Harbor District for its 50 years of public service to the county.