Extensive Affirmative Action Plans Pushed

Citing a need to increase the number of minorities in top county jobs, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution requiring department heads to come up with extensive affirmative action plans.

“The county mirrors the diversity of the local communities that we serve,” said Maria Diaz, the county’s affirmative action officer. “However, minority representation in the higher ranks is still lacking.”

Under the plan approved by the board, department heads will be asked to set employment goals and timetables for the hiring and advancement of minorities.

According to a hiring report prepared by Diaz, the number of blacks, Asians and Pacific islanders on the county’s payroll of 6,324 employees now largely reflects their presence in the local economy.

Overall, minorities constitute 30.6% of the work force, up from 25% in 1986. But despite the gains, the county has made little progress in increasing minority representation in management, law enforcement and technical services, Diaz said.

The supervisors said they hoped that by preparing the affirmative action plans, the department heads will help the county increase the numbers.

“I’m very supportive of this kind of approach,” Supervisor Maggie Kildee said. “I would like to see us recognize the department heads who have been able to achieve the goals.”