Ballot BonanzaVentura County officials predict that a...

Ballot Bonanza

Ventura County officials predict that a record number of voters will turn out for Tuesday’s election (B1), but they caution that late-arriving absentee ballots could delay declaring the winners of close local races. . . . About 283,000 ballots are expected to be cast, including an anticipated 25,000 absentees. . . . “I wouldn’t call any tight races on election night with this many absentees,” county Clerk Richard Dean said.

Clearing the Air

Speaking of the election, Colin Powell has set the record straight on his support for congressional candidate Rich Sybert (B1). . . . In response to accusations by opponent Brad Sherman that Sybert was lying about Powell’s political support, the retired general sent a note of encouragement and $250 to Sybert’s campaign. . . . “I am enclosing a contribution to assist in your final push to get over the top,” Powell wrote.

Higher Learning

A gubernatorial task force Friday formally endorsed a plan to convert Camarillo State Hospital into Ventura County’s first public university (B1). . . . But not everyone embraced the idea. State Sen. Cathie Wright, a member of the task force, said the needs of the mentally ill were being overlooked. . . . “You are absolutely down the line going to wish you never did this,” she warned.