OXNARD : Mayoral Candidates Exchange Barbs

Two Oxnard mayoral candidates traded barbs this week when Councilwoman Dorothy Maron accused Mayor Nao Takasugi of political mudslinging and Takasugi fired back by accusing Maron of misrepresenting her voting record.

A four-term incumbent, Takasugi is being challenged by five hopefuls, including Maron, in the Tuesday election.

The attacks are the latest in a race that has been rife with insults and personal attacks.

On Tuesday, Maron, who has 10 years on the council, held a news conference to announce an eight-point plan to address issues such as the city’s financial problems and the need for more affordable housing.

She also issued a statement criticizing Takasugi for suggesting that another candidate, a self-employed investor, has never held a job. Maron called the allegation mean and low.

Maron said the mayor has allowed Oxnard to go into debt while developers benefit from the city’s growth.

In a news release issued Thursday, Takasugi fired back, criticizing Maron for an advertisement that suggests that Oxnard will begin to resemble Orange County unless the city’s development is slowed.

“Too many people know that Mrs. Maron has either been forced to abstain from voting or voted in favor of nearly every development issue in Oxnard during her term on the City Council,” the statement said.

In addition, Takasugi blasted Maron for identifying herself as “Mayor, City of Oxnard,” rather than as a candidate for mayor.

“This may be a small, petty issue, but it illustrates a disregard for the truth,” Takasugi said.