4 More Considering Running for Camarillo City Council

Four more people have taken out nomination papers for the City Council special election in June.

Ned Chatfield, Christopher Valenzano, Michael Timothy Flynn and Keith Geller took out the papers this week. They must be submitted to the Camarillo city clerk by March 7 for the candidate to be on the ballot.

Chatfield, 78, served on the City Council from 1964 to 1974 and worked for the Los Angeles Fire Department for 31 years. He says he has been involved in Camarillo’s politics, whether he has been a council member or not.

“The only real issue in my mind is land use and how we zone this city, so when it’s filled out it’s something everyone can be proud of,” Chatfield said.

He said he opposes any commercial use of the Point Mugu naval base, and although he would have preferred that Camarillo State Hospital stay open, he will support development of a university there.

Valenzano, an 18-year-old Camarillo High School senior, also supports the development of a four-year university and preservation of the greenbelt.

“The reason I’m going to run is to introduce a young perspective to the City Council and to be a voice for the young adults, because we are going to be the future of this community,” Valenzano said.

Valenzano added he would like to ensure the safety of residents by making sure the Police Department has an adequate number of officers.

Flynn could not be reached for comment, and Geller, a 34-year-old real estate broker, said he will say where he stands on Camarillo issues after he has formally submitted the papers.

Others interested in becoming a candidate may submit nomination papers before the deadline to City Clerk Marilyn Thiel at City Hall.

One seat is open in the June election, which is being held to fill the seat of Councilman Ken Gose, who died last month. Former council members Mike Morgan and Sherry Cole already have submitted nomination papers and will appear on the ballot.