Wright Seeks Backing for Trash Legislation

Hoping to bolster support for a bill that would create a countywide waste authority, state Sen. Cathie Wright pitched the proposed legislation to the Ventura and Simi Valley city councils Monday night.

In the first of a series of visits with local government officials, Wright (R-Simi Valley) outlined the plan for the authority and asked the councils for their approval.

Oxnard, Simi Valley and Moorpark have voiced concerns about belonging to a countywide authority, saying they may lose control over their trash. Wright said such fears are unfounded, and that a regional body would strengthen the county’s voice.

“I feel like I’m trying to establish the United Nations,” Wright said, referring to the difficulty of winning approval of the county’s 10 city councils.

Under stipulations outlined in the bill, at least seven of the county’s 10 cities would have to agree to join the authority for it to be created.

If approved, the authority would streamline most of the responsibilities of the Ventura Regional Sanitation District and the Waste Commission.

Wright plans to speak to the Thousand Oaks City Council tonight and in Fillmore Aug. 10. She also plans to hold a special meeting with the Waste Commission, a trash-regulating body with representatives from each of the county’s cities.

The bill is scheduled to be considered by the state Assembly Natural Resources Committee on Aug. 16.