Appeal Filed Over Transit Funds Use

Three weeks after a Ventura County judge dismissed a suit accusing a county commission of misusing state transit funds, a statewide environmental group on Wednesday appealed the issue to a higher court.

The Planning and Conservation League, which sued the Ventura County Transportation Commission in June, asked the 2nd District Court of Appeal to overturn the ruling. The suit claims that the transportation panel diverted millions of dollars earmarked for transit projects to street and road improvements.

“Essentially, the judge said that the [commission] does not have to listen to the state Legislature or to the public,” said Jim Know, urban affairs director for the league.

“We think that ignores the law and completely shuts the public out of their rightful role in determining transit needs in Ventura County,” he said.

Retired Judge John J. Hunter ruled Sept. 20 that the county is permitted to divert a share of sales tax revenue to street and road repairs if there are no other unmet transit needs.

But the Planning and Conservation League contends that the funds could be used to extend commuter train service to west Ventura County or expand regional bus schedules rather than fix streets.

Mary Gayle, an attorney representing the transportation commission, said the appeal will further waste valuable public resources.

“My major concern about the appeal is the waste of taxpayer dollars to defend the appeal and the loss of time,” she said. “We believe Judge Hunter made an absolutely correct decision.”

Oral arguments probably will not be scheduled until early next year and a decision is not expected for up to 90 days after that, Gayle said.