Officers’ Unions Endorse Totten for D.A.

Ventura County law enforcement groups turned out in force Tuesday to support district attorney candidate Greg Totten.

He picked up endorsements from the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs Assn., the Professional Peace Officers Assn. and unions representing Oxnard, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme and Ventura police departments.

The only major law enforcement group that didn’t endorse Totten was the Simi Valley Police Assn., which last week backed prosecutor Ron Bamieh, Totten’s only rival in the race.

During a news conference at the Ventura County Courthouse, Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury and Sheriff Bob Brooks joined police union representatives in declaring Totten the most qualified candidate. Totten, 47, is chief assistant district attorney.

Candidate’s Breadth of Experience Cited

“It is clear to us that there is one person who can best serve the public interest and has earned the respect of the law enforcement and public safety community,” said Glen Kitzman, president of the deputy sheriffs union. “That person is Greg Totten.”

Diane Hubbard, president of the peace officers group, said its decision to support Totten came down to the breadth of his experience, which includes nearly two decades as an administrator and a prosecutor. As second in command of the D.A.’s office, Totten oversees 300 employees.

“His experience isn’t just trial work, which Ron excels at,” Hubbard said. “But Greg just has the overall experience. He’s a quiet, strong leader with real ideas to take our office forward.”

But not everyone is convinced. Last week, the Simi Valley police union threw its support behind Bamieh, 35, a senior deputy district attorney who has launched an aggressive and well-financed campaign for the county’s top post.

Simi Valley Police Assn. President Fred James said the Bamieh endorsement sprang out of frustration among his officers, who believe the district attorney’s office has ignored the needs of police in the east county city.

James said Simi Valley officers would like to see a prosecutor assigned to work out of their department, which is an hour away from the main courthouse. A prosecutor already works out of the Oxnard Police Department, which is only 15 minutes from court, he said.

“The Simi Valley Police Department and the people in east end of Ventura County have been treated as second-class citizens in many ways,” James said.

Bamieh said he was unconcerned about Totten’s endorsements, noting that he represents a change that some in the upper ranks of law enforcement may not be ready for. In the past, Bamieh has insisted he will build his support base from average citizens, not county politicians and union leaders.

“When somebody comes in and throws a monkey wrench in that process, I know it upsets a lot of people,” said Bamieh, who has successfully prosecuted more than 60 felony cases. “But when this is over, the only people I owe will be the people of this county.”

Totten Expresses Thanks for Support

Bradbury, 59, who has led a quiet crusade on Totten’s behalf, announced in September that he plans to retire when his sixth term expires in January 2003.

Meanwhile, Totten said he was pleased with the strong support he received from law enforcement unions. He said that most were well acquainted with both of the candidates.

“These are people on the front lines who know both of us, and they choose me,” Totten said. “So their support means everything to me.”