Tingstrom Won’t Seek 3rd Term on Ventura City Council

After eight years in office, City Councilman Jack Tingstrom announced Monday night that he will not seek a third term in November.

Before his six council colleagues, television cameras and those gathered for the weekly council meeting, Tingstrom spoke of his accomplishments, affiliations and the health problems that have plagued him over the past four years.

“I have had some very serious health problems--heart attack, two seizures and prostate cancer surgery,” Tingstrom said. “This has put a lot of strain on my family, especially my wife, Lu, two daughters and my mother.”

Tingstrom did not mention that he has been under investigation by the district attorney’s office since April for possible conflict-of-interest charges.

During closed-door sessions this spring, council members decided to call for an investigation into Tingstrom’s involvement with Avila Golf Management Inc., the management group that formerly operated the city’s Olivas Park Golf Course.

Some council members and City Manager Donna Landeros allege that Tingstrom, who made $70,000 serving as a consultant for the company for two years, illegally lobbied them to renew Avila’s contract for Olivas Park in 1997. No charges have been filed in the matter.

While explaining his reasons for not running in November, Tingstrom said he believes in term limits--voluntary ones.

“I have had a full career serving this city, and it is now the time for new ideas and fresh, ambitious candidates to step up and serve.”