Candidates Speak Out on Clinics, Mugu, Library Funds : The Candidates

Ventura County Supervisor Susan K. Lacey is seeking her fifth term in the 1st Supervisorial District, which includes the city of Ventura, Casitas Springs and most

of the Ojai Valley. She faces two challengers in the March 26 election. They are Ventura City Councilman Jim Monahan and activist Carroll Dean Williams.

Susan K. Lacey

Age: 54

Residence: Ventura

Occupation: Ventura County supervisor

Education: Master’s degree in special education from Cal Lutheran University; bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Oregon

Background: A former special education teacher, Lacey was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1980. She previously served on the Ventura Unified School District board for seven years. During the past 20 years, she has worked on various county committees and organizations, including the Ventura County Economic Vitality Committee and the Ventura County Transportation Commission.

Issues: A strong supporter of health programs for needy children, Lacey said she will work to ensure that the county maintains a “humane budget.” At the same time, Lacey said she wants to maintain the county’s excellent bond ratings and sound investment policies.

Jim Monahan

Age: 61

Residence: Ventura

Occupation: Owner of American Welding and American Hot Tap Service

Education: Associate’s degree in business administration from Ventura College

Background: A native of Ventura, Monahan has been elected to the City Council five times and is currently in his 19th year on the governing panel. He served as mayor in 1987-88. In addition to his council duties, Monahan has been responsible for running the family welding business since 1957. He is also a member of several government and community organizations, including the boards of South Coast Area Transit and Ventura County Animal Control.

Issues: If elected, Monahan said he would work to open all county offices five days a week. He said he would also push to ease government regulations on business, contract more with the private sector and impose a two-term limit on supervisors.

Carroll Dean Williams

Age: 53

Residence: Ventura

Occupation: Manufacturing engineer

Education: Ventura High School graduate; earned a certificate in machine shop from Ventura College in 1961; manufacturing engineering student at UCLA for about three years; earned a community college teaching credential at UCLA

Background: An outspoken critic of county government, Williams is a regular speaker at Board of Supervisors’ meetings. A Ventura resident, he has unsuccessfully run for a City Council seat eight times, with his most recent bid occurring last November.

Issues: As a supervisor, Williams said among his top priorities would be to make county government records and documents more open to the public. He said he would also work to open all county offices five days a week and to bring more jobs to the area.