Kathy Long

* I have known Kathy Long for almost four years and have worked directly with her on the Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission and on the Agriculture Policy Working Group. I strongly support her for 3rd District county supervisor.

Long has devoted much time and effort to maintaining the rural character of the Santa Clara River Valley through her support of a new greenbelt east of Fillmore. She and Supervisor John Flynn have led the fight against Newhall Ranch, a project that directly threatens area agricultural base and Ventura County’s water supply.

Valley farmers are facing difficult times but Kathy Long knows that paving over farms cannot be the answer and will continue to work with farmers to improve the farm economy. Further, she will continue to work with cities to build tourism in support of the valley’s urban economy.

In her four years as a county supervisor, Long has established a strong record as a capable representative for her constituents.

Virtually the only negative press she has received concerns her role in the board’s mental health merger decision, which resulted in an investigation of county billing practices and large federal penalties. The relative merits of such a merger have been only rarely discussed. However, as is often the case in political decisions, blame is unfairly assessed based on some unforeseen consequence of an action.

Kathy Long is a hard-working, capable supervisor with a regional perspective who has demonstrated an ability to work with diverse interests in crafting solutions to difficult problems. She should be returned to office Nov. 7.

RON BOTTORFF

Newbury Park