VENTURA : CPA Announces Council Candidacy
Certified public accountant Ken Schmitz announced his candidacy for the Ventura City Council on Friday.
Schmitz joins a growing field of candidates for four seats in November’s city elections.
The 36-year-old accountant, who has never held public office, has not hired a campaign manager yet. Schmitz said he will begin raising money soon and will hold informal weekly meetings with residents “to discuss solutions to the city’s problems.”
Schmitz made his announcement Friday outside City Hall as a handful of supporters--including his visiting parents from out of town--looked on.
“I am not afraid to make a decision,” said Schmitz, who criticized the City Council for being too reactive to special interest groups and making slow decisions on water issues.
Schmitz was raised in Ventura and has been active in the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Ventura Jaycees and the Ventura Rotary Club South.
Council members are elected at large every two years for four-year terms.
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