SIMI VALLEY : Write-In Mayoral Hopeful Files Papers

A Simi Valley resident filed nomination papers Monday to run Nov. 3 as a write-in candidate for mayor.

Thomas A. Ditty, 43, a commercial production director at radio station KFWB, said he entered the race because of concerns about overdevelopment in Simi Valley, particularly in hillside areas. Ditty said he launched his grass-roots campaign over the weekend by walking through neighborhoods and handing out flyers.

“My slogan is ‘Save the City, Vote for Ditty,’ ” he said.

Assistant City Manager Mike Sedell said Ditty’s nomination papers, bearing 30 signatures, have been sent to county election officials for verification. If at least 20 signatures belong to registered voters in Simi Valley, Ditty will be declared an official write-in candidate.

Ditty’s name will not appear on the ballot, but write-in votes for him will be counted if his papers are approved, city officials said. Sedell said Ditty could become the first qualified write-in candidate for mayor or City Council in the history of Simi Valley, which was incorporated in 1969.

Four other mayoral candidates submitted papers before the county’s deadline and will appear on the ballot: Kenneth Ashton, Steve Frank, Robert Plunkett and incumbent Greg Stratton.