Supervisors: 3rd District

Questionnaires were distributed to candidates last month. Answers have been edited to fit the available space.

Why Run?

Question: Why do you want to be a Ventura County supervisor?

Erickson Kildee: In 1992 the issues that prompt me to run for 3rd District supervisor are the economy, health care, local government cooperation, delivery of cost-effective services to citizens, and the preservation of agriculture and our rural heritage.

Greene: It is county government’s responsibility to serve the people’s need for physical and economic security and environmental protection. I have the desire and the ability to serve these needs.

Melton: I care deeply about the people who live here. We need responsive leadership and we’re not getting it from the present Board of Supervisors. The concerns and problems facing the people of this county are not being addressed. We are in a delicate time, economically and culturally; proactive and inclusive leadership is absolutely essential in order to create a community that not only meets the basic needs of its residents such as housing, medical care and employment but has the opportunity to reach its full potential.

Nolan: Parents ask, “What’s going to happen to our children?” Senior citizens say, “Even though we’ve worked hard all of our lives, how can we pay our bills now?” Young taxpayers say, “Will we ever afford a home for our family?”

Goals

Q: If you are elected, what specific changes in county government would you make?

Erickson Kildee: I would support consolidation of services between the county, cities and special districts, as well as among county agencies, in order to be more efficient. We also have to be open to any regional changes that will save taxpayer dollars. I created the Council on Economic Vitality to recommend possible changes in the way business and government work together. One of the areas on which we are focusing is the government regulation/permit process: how to streamline and expedite the time it takes to review and permit a project. Time is money to both the county and local businesses.

Greene: Help economic viability by streamlining land use and permit processing to keep costs down for county applicants. Establish a system for rating county services by the people. Set up a suggestion system for employees and the public to improve efficiency. Separate regulatory agency, Air Pollution Control District, from county politics.

Melton: When elected, the first change I would make would be to re-establish trust between the county and the cities and between the county and business. The bottom line is, we are all in this together and we cannot accomplish the greatest good when we are constantly in an adversarial stance with each other.

Nolan: I would like to cut unnecessary expenses. I would like to cut red tape to expedite services. I would like to spend the taxpayers’ revenue the way the majority wants it spent. I’d like to cooperate with experts in all areas to end the recession.

Weldon Canyon Landfill

Q: Should the Board of Supervisors approve construction of Waste Management of California’s proposed landfill at Weldon Canyon between Ventura and Ojai?

Erickson Kildee: Until all possible review of information has been done and presented to the Board of Supervisors in a public hearing, I cannot answer this with a simple “yes” or “no.” I support management of waste by watersheds and regional areas, and believe a new site must be developed in anticipation of the closing of the Bailard landfill. In addition, I support the creation, by the cities and the county, of a new Waste Authority to make policy decisions countywide.

Greene: No, because of negative environmental impacts on nearby residents and the entire Ojai Valley (including Ventura city) and creation of a monopoly on waste disposal for a company with a history of legal and environmental abuse.

Melton: The county should study alternative sites within western Ventura County that would be environmentally superior to Weldon Canyon. Additional alternatives must be studied and disclosed. I do not believe that an environmental impact report should be used to substantiate a predetermined conclusion.

Nolan: I do not have access to the reports on the five possible places considered, but I read that Weldon Canyon is considered fifth in desirability. So I would need to study the reports.

Ahmanson Ranch

Q: Should the Board of Supervisors allow construction of a 3,100-dwelling community at Ahmanson Ranch near Simi Valley as part of a deal that would turn 10,000 acres of open space into public parkland?

Erickson Kildee: Our Guidelines For Orderly Development call for urban development within city boundaries where possible. I support that concept. However, with this proposal the Board of Supervisors must weigh the impacts and significant environmental issues against the gain for public parklands in reaching a final decision. Again, until we receive all of the information and testimony in a public hearing, I cannot say “yes” or “no.”

Greene: The land transfer to the conservancy is nice but it does not mitigate environmental impacts. The EIR is due out and an answer must be deferred until its evaluation. A project must stand on its own and donations must be considered as valuable to the community in a general sense only.

Melton: The long-term negative impacts of a development this size on the environment and services completely overshadow any short-term need that is anticipated will be met by this project. I do not believe that we can continue to compromise the integrity of Ventura County’s open space with projects of this magnitude.

Nolan: If an owner is planning to develop, he should not place a burden for water, sewage, transportation and other necessities on those who live near; however, the Bill of Rights does not say that landowners have no rights, except to pay revenue to others. If he can build not only a project that is self-sufficient and/or contributes more to the improvement of the area by increased employment, recreational facilities for the relaxation of workers when not working, increased revenue for the children, disabled, seniors, libraries, etc., he could be doing a service to the community. Experts in building, land technicians, environmentalists, public and private sectors must plan for the survival of Ventura County.

New Jail

Q: Should Ventura County build a new jail at the Todd Road site near Santa Paula?

Erickson Kildee: I support building a new jail at the Todd Road site, which is halfway between Ventura and Santa Paula. The need for a new jail on adequate acreage is extensively documented. That documentation includes analysis of population growth and crime rates, evaluation of over 20 possible locations, consideration of alternative solutions using exiting facilities, and cost comparisons of building the jail at the Government Center versus Todd Road. A thorough EIR addresses mitigations for environmental concerns. After much analysis, study and review, I reached a decision based on facts, need and the most cost-effective method to get criminals off the streets and protect our neighborhoods.

Greene: No. The question may be moot as decision was reached, but clearly a new jail was needed. The negatives are that the greenbelt has been violated and there are growth-inducing consequences. In addition, a high cost of operation is anticipated. The size projected is based upon a very high anticipated growth rate for Ventura County, which I would oppose for other reasons.

Melton: No. Better alternatives exist. Violating greenbelt agreements and jeopardizing agriculture, an economic mainstay in Ventura County, by the county Board of Supervisors is an example of the unresponsive government that should no longer be allowed to exist. The millions of dollars being used to fund this facility could be better spent on expansion of existing facilities and on rehabilitative efforts. We need to get to the source of the problems, such as drug and alcohol abuse. The problems are social not criminal, we need prevention programs not bigger jails.

Nolan: I believe that people who violate the rights of others should be sent to an isolated country called “Jail” and made to work to not only be self-sufficient but pay back what should be called a taxpayers’ loan with interest. I believe crime prevention should begin with preschool children and never end. Discipline, morals, rights of all and less liberal laws should be exercised by all. We should quit mentioning color, racist and sexist; all of us are God’s children. I believe farmland should be preserved at the expense of all who benefit.

Population Growth

Q: Ventura County grew 26% during the last decade. Do you favor continued growth at this pace?

Erickson Kildee: Ventura County has grown approximately 2% each year. Managed growth has been achieved here because of the county’s General Plan, greenbelt agreements and Guidelines for Orderly Development, which direct urban growth to cities. I will continue to support these existing land-use policies.

Greene: No. It is known that residential growth does not bring in enough revenue to pay for the services it needs. Natural and public resources such as air quality, water, schools, roads, etc., cannot be overused without adversely affecting the existing community.

Melton: No. Services are already taxed to the limit and the only way to meet the needs of a population allowed to increase at this rate is to increase taxes and that is not a viable solution in my mind.

Nolan: Growth should be determined by the needs of the people. Any community that does not provide the means for the disabled and elderly to live in security and dignity; a place for children to be educated with pride and security; young workers to obtain the “American dream,” a home for his family, should be considered a disgrace.

Fee, Tax Reduction

Q: Should county supervisors reduce license fees and taxes on businesses to help the economy rebound from the recession?

Erickson Kildee: Business license fees exist within all cities and were recently implemented in the unincorporated areas of the county. This is an equitable way for cities and counties to secure revenues to continue providing services to all sectors of our communities. I established the Council on Economic Vitality so that businesses and government together can find ways to jump-start Ventura County’s economy.

Greene: Yes. It can be done on a temporary basis. These are a real burden on small businesses. Business stimulation may be minimal but survival may be enhanced.

Melton: As I previously stated, we are all in this together and a healthy business community can only enhance the success of the county. A first goal of mine is to establish a forum whereby we can work together to create “win-win” situations where all of our needs are met. If this resolution involves reductions in license fees and taxes, then I will support that concept.

Nolan: If Ventura County is to survive, they need to keep and attract business. Revenue from more jobs will compensate for the reduced taxes.

Sales Tax Increase

Q: Would you support a countywide sales tax increase to pay for transportation improvements? If so, for what projects?

Erickson Kildee: We need improvements to our transportation infrastructure, and I did support the ballot measure to increase the sales tax 1/4 cent to provide matching funds to receive state and federal money to make those improvements. However, the voters turned this down. Local governments in Ventura County must work together with state and federal representatives and agencies to accomplish the expensive goals of providing adequate roads, some form of rail transit and clean air.

Greene: No. This becomes a way of subsidizing land development. I would like to see separate specific projects (i.e. Rose Avenue completion) funded, but most proposals are growth inducing. Note the effect in the San Fernando Valley, etc.

Melton: I am not a willing supporter of increased taxes of any kind; however, the improved quality of our air and our environment is important enough to me to find a way to financially support improved mass transit, such as rail transportation. Sales tax increases may be an alternative; however, it will need to be approved by the voters. They have the final say on increased taxes.

Nolan: If unnecessary expenses are cut, revenue already paid should be sufficient for necessary expenses.

Term Limits

Q: Do you support term limits for the Board of Supervisors?

Erickson Kildee: I don’t think term limits are necessary at the local level. Here it is possible for people to know their elected officials personally, and they can vote for them based on knowing how well they are doing their jobs. I trust the electorate to make good decisions on who represents them.

Greene: Yes. Eight years should be the maximum. After awhile officials become beholden to too many special interests and their perspective on real problems is distorted. When the job becomes necessary as a career, effectiveness goes down.

Melton: Although we presently have term limitation in place, a term lasts four years, and at the end of the four years the voters have the opportunity to place a new person in office. Persons holding full-time paid positions such as supervisor should be limited to two four-year terms in office.

Nolan: People who stay in office for a lengthy time seem to forget they represent the people.

Increased Crime

Q: Crime is increasing in Ventura County. How should county officials respond?

Erickson Kildee: We have good law enforcement agencies in Ventura County and always work to improve them in response to changing situations. Gag Task Forces, DARE and other anti-drug programs have been established. Education and work training programs have been implemented to combat recidivism in the penal system. The Sheriff’s honor farm and Rose Valley Work Camp are models nationwide. With adequate space at the new Todd Road facility, we will be able to expand existing and alternative programs, as well as initiate work situations to offset the cost of incarceration.

Greene: We need enforcement but we need prevention. We need to support police and social work with gangs. We need to organize neighborhood-watch programs. We need to provide hope for youth through education and economic opportunity.

Melton: County officials should respond to the problems that are creating the crimes. We must begin to take a more proactive approach to addressing the prevention of social problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, violence against women, children and the elderly. Crimes are being committed because the basic needs of the people are going unmet. I believe that a criminal should be punished to the full extent of the law; however, the time has come to look at the reason for the crime.

Nolan: Crime should be reduced if people are taught at an early age to practice observing rights of all, to have dignity and pride in becoming self-sufficient and producing good workmanship and aware that violations of the rights of others will not be tolerated.

Budget Cuts

Q: The Board of Supervisors has cut 10% from budgets during the last two years because county revenues are down sharply. Should the board continue to cut all programs equally or, instead, eliminate some services altogether? Which programs would you eliminate?

Erickson Kildee: You can only go so far with across-the-board cuts, and at some point have to consider elimination of programs. So far, we have not had to do that. Also, certain services, such as law enforcement, fire protection and health care, are mandated by the state and must be maintained. Until we know exactly what our revenues will be, it is impossible to say what programs might be affected. However, if cuts are needed, it is imperative to cut management positions as well as non-management positions.

Greene: Services such as police and firefighters and criminal justice are critical. Some are revenue positions, i.e. child-support enforcement. (Since) other programs are state mandated, or created out of need, it’s not possible to cut equally, but I would carefully study individual ones to eliminate waste. Cutting administration costs is a good source of revenue. Getting mandated programs’ demands reduced by state action or being proactive in legislative processes to prevent unfunded programs is another.

Melton: Budget cuts are imperative in this economy. I do not believe that we will ever again have the money we have known in government for the past decade. Certain services may have to be eliminated. The question that remains unanswered is, can privatization of certain services become more cost effective for the consumer? It’s worth exploring.

Nolan: I do not have access to the job descriptions to know what programs are necessary. Taxpayers should not have to work, of course, to pay for unnecessary programs. Public and private sectors have worked admirably together at the Camarillo Airport to the extent of becoming self-sufficient; instead of begging, they give--with the willingness to work, pride in their work and good organization. Other programs should do the same.

Water Shortage

Q: Although Ventura County has had plentiful rains this season, the county faces a long-term water shortage. How should the county and local cities respond? a) Put a dam on Sespe Creek. b) Build a desalination plant to convert ocean water. c) Build a new pipeline to import more water from Northern California. d) Impose permanent water rationing. e) Restrict construction of new housing and industry.

Erickson Kildee: I strongly support on-going water conservation programs. Ventura County’s future water sources will need to be managed wisely to prevent ground-water overdraft and water-quality degradation. Both desalination and importing water may be reasonable alternatives. Availability of reliable and long-term water sources is a critical factor in deciding whether or not to approve new developments.

Greene: 1. Restrict growth during periods of water availability which creates greater shortages during droughts. 2. Conservation: Reduce “tropical” landscaping and reduce personal use, install low flush toilets. 3. Retain waste water and use it for irrigation and ground-water recharge. This is an assured supply. 4. Monitor ground-water basin use. 5. Help farming with scientifically sound watering schedules based upon weather, soil and crop type. 6. Last and most expensive is desalination and state water. The high cost can make farming costs prohibitive.

Melton: We need strong water conservation programs. We also need to maintain a diverse supply source such as ground water, state water and desalination, if economically feasible. We also need to implement a program for storage capacity so the peaks and valleys get evened out during wet and dry periods.

Nolan: Desalination has been practiced successfully for many years by the services at, comparably speaking, a minimal cost. So, at this time, I see no reason why farmers and businesses could not do the same.

CONTENDERS

Maggie Erickson Kildee, 59, of Camarillo was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1980. She is a 26-year Ventura County resident and a former teacher and administrator in the Pleasant Valley School District.

Stan Greene, 62, of Ojai is a former aerospace engineer who has run his own refrigeration service business for 21 years. He is president of the Citizens to Preserve the Ojai environmental group.

John A.F. Melton, 62, has been a Santa Paula councilman since 1974. He is a retired area manager for Southern California Edison. He is president of the National Assn. of Regional Councils.

Zoe C. Nolan, 68, of Camarillo is a speech therapist for the Hueneme School District. A native of Oklahoma, she has lived in Camarillo for 27 years and has been a teacher for 45 years.