MOORPARK : Supervisor Backs Lawrason for Mayor

Ventura County Supervisor Jim Dougherty has endorsed Moorpark City Councilman Paul Lawrason in his bid to become the city’s first elected mayor.

“I think your election as mayor would make it possible for both the city and the county to work together to make a better life for our citizens,” Dougherty said in a letter to Lawrason Monday. “I strongly support your candidacy.”

Dougherty could not be reached for comment Monday. Dougherty represents the 4th District, which includes Moorpark and Simi Valley. He announced earlier this year he would not seek reelection.

Lawrason said the endorsement from Dougherty, who has served as a county supervisor for 12 years, is a big boost to his mayoral campaign.

“It’s exciting,” Lawrason said of Dougherty’s support. “Endorsements like that are important because they lend credibility. I have a great deal of respect for him.”

Lawrason is running against Clint Harper, a former councilman, and Tom Wheeler, a former parks and recreation commissioner, in the Nov. 6th election.

Harper was endorsed last week by Patagonia Inc., a Ventura clothing company whose support of slow-growth candidates has been a major factor in past city and county races.

Harper, who has repeatedly criticized Lawrason for accepting donations from developers, said he was not surprised by Dougherty’s endorsement.

“Jim Dougherty has never been a friendly supporter of managed growth,” Harper said.