Kildee Endorses Long for Supervisor Post

Supervisor Maggie Kildee endorsed Kathy Long on Thursday in her bid to replace Kildee, who is retiring after 16 years of representing a district that stretches from Fillmore to Camarillo.

“As my chief of staff, I prize Kathy’s demonstrated independence, leadership and vision, qualities she will bring to this office when elected,” Kildee said at an afternoon press conference.

Long, one of two Kildee staff members competing for her job, said she welcomed the support of the veteran supervisor.

“I think it certainly validates the work I’ve been doing for constituents of the 3rd District as her chief of staff,” said Long, who has been with Kildee since 1991.

Kildee’s endorsement angered candidate Al Escoto, who has worked as an administrative assistant for the supervisor for eight years. Escoto said Kildee had remarked earlier on that she would not endorse a candidate in the race unless there was a runoff.

“It just shows that she’s not being honest,” Escoto said. “Now that she’s endorsed Kathy, I’m not holding anything back.”

He said that Kildee had effectively endorsed Long by appointing her senior administrative aide last summer, shortly after the supervisor announced that she would not seek a fifth term.

“She’s been working against me from Day One,” Escoto said. “She’s always been helping Kathy.”

Kildee said she decided to make an endorsement because she had watched the campaign and believed Long had the best overall experience to do the job. She said she owed it to her constituents to let them know whom she was backing.

“It seemed important to me to share with them who I think will make the best supervisor,” she said.

Fillmore Mayor Roger Campbell and Camarillo Councilman Mike Morgan, both vying for Kildee’s job, said they were surprised, but not concerned, about Kildee’s endorsement.

“Maggie just wants to continue her legacy, so she’s picked someone who has her identical views and ideas,” said Campbell, who has been endorsed by supervisors Frank Schillo and Judy Mikels.

Morgan had a similar reaction.

“It’s not a surprise,” said Morgan, who has been endorsed by former 3rd District Supervisor Ken McDonald. “But I don’t think that is what’s going to swing this election.”