SIMI VALLEY : Mayor Considering Auditor’s Job

After 14 years as a fiscally conservative voice in city government, Simi Valley Mayor Greg Stratton is considering a run for county auditor-controller.

Stratton, 47, said he will decide within the next month whether to run for the post, which carries the responsibility of serving as watchdog over Ventura County’s $836-million budget.

Thomas Mahon, 70, was appointed to the auditor-controller position a year ago after serving as assistant to Norman Hawkes for 17 years. He said Friday he plans to formally announce his candidacy for the position next week. The position involves a four-year term.

Mahon earns more than $125,000 in salary, perks and benefits.

Stratton, who in the past has denied any aspirations to higher office, said he was spurred to consider seeking the auditor-controller post after seeing the county’s budget crisis.

“It has become very clear that the auditor’s office is counting the dollars and making sure the books balance and not taking any aggressive stance in helping to manage the county,” Stratton said. “There are people who have told me they think the county is unmanageable and I think that’s something that needs to be changed.”

Mahon denied the criticism, saying he and his staff were doing a good job.

“We’ve performed better than could be expected,” Mahon said. “I really don’t see where the particular issue is coming from unless he’s straining to find something wrong.”