Di Guilio to Run for Reelection to Council

Councilman Ray Di Guilio announced his candidacy for reelection in November, making him the first of three councilmen to do so.

Mayor Jim Friedman said he will announce his plans within the next few weeks, and Councilman Jack Tingstrom said he is undecided.

Di Guilio, 55, said the next four years will be critical to the city’s future, and he wants to be a part of that.

“There are issues we’re facing, including the sports park and tourism issues, and there’s going to be some significant decisions that will affect our city for the next 20 to 30 years,” he said.

His platform will focus on “respecting the past, focusing on the future and providing leadership today,” he said.

Di Guilio said he wants to create an open-space preserve in the city.

Di Guilio, the director of budget and administrative support for the Ventura County Community College District, said he will retire from that job in August to devote more time to other ventures, including the City Council.

“The council can be very demanding,” said Di Guilio, who was first elected to the council in 1995. “I have a desire to put more time into that area at this time in my life.”

To date, Di Guilio is the seventh council hopeful. Other candidates include land-use planner Carl Morehouse; Parks and Recreation Commissioner Doug Halter; restaurant owner Charles Gartman; antique-shop owner Diane Underhill; former Pacific Bell employee Scott Coe; and pediatrician Dr. Bob Ryan.

The official filing period begins July 12.