SIMI VALLEY : Realty Worker to Run for City Council

A Simi Valley realty worker announced Friday that she is running for City Council and soon-to-retire Police Chief Lindsey Paul Miller said he is seriously considering running.

Debi Schultze, a loan processor at Aspen Mortgage, said she believes Simi Valley needs more affordable rental housing and real estate, new programs to help businesses move into the city and grow, and more youth-oriented businesses--goals she intends to work for if elected.

Schultze also said she wants to get involved with planning the future of trash disposal as Simi Valley runs out of landfill.

“We need to balance all of that, but not compromise our quality of life,” said Schultze, who for six years has been a member of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District board.

The city should still emphasize preserving open space and developing park land for the future, she said.

Miller, who will soon retire after more than 12 years as police chief, said he is testing the waters to see if there is enough voter support to “get serious” about running for a council seat.

“So far, the people I’ve talked to are enthusiastic about it,” he said. “My motivation for running is . . . that this council and past councils have always had a good focus on law enforcement. That’s why we have a safe community. As a citizen in the community and not just as a retired law enforcement officer, I think it’s important that focus be maintained.”