SIMI VALLEY : College Student Plans Write-In Mayoral Bid

A 19-year-old Simi Valley resident has announced plans to wage a write-in campaign for mayor against incumbent Greg Stratton.

Michael Rodriguez, a political science major at Moorpark College, obtained papers Wednesday for the November race.

Although his name will not appear on the ballot because he missed the filing deadline, Rodriguez insisted that he is running a serious campaign.

“I know the odds are against me, but I am very serious about this,” Rodriguez said. “Running for mayor will give me knowledge about how the city works, and in general it will be a great learning experience.”

Rodriguez, who was born and raised in Simi Valley, graduated from Royal High School in 1993, where he played center on the football team. He has completed two semesters at Moorpark College and works part time as a bank teller.

When not working or attending classes, Rodriguez volunteers at St. Rose of Lima Church in the youth ministry program.

“I teach morals, like abstinence before marriage,” he said. “I’m a virgin by choice, which is a pretty difficult thing in this day and age.”

Rodriguez said he gained an appetite for politics while working on Pete Wilson’s campaign for governor. He is the only candidate challenging Stratton, who is running for a fifth term.