The Choice Between Totten and Bamieh

There is something you should know: The contents of your Voter Information Pamphlet are incomplete. The pamphlet reveals [Senior Deputy] Dist. Atty. Ron Bamieh’s commitment to eliminating criminals and protecting Ventura County’s children, but omits the countless hours Bamieh devotes to preventing crime and educating our children outside the workplace.

Bamieh’s dedication to his community changed my life. When I chose to join Buena High School’s mock trial team, I had no idea what I was getting into. At the first meeting, the tall booming figure at the front of the room made it clear that he demanded dedication from his mock trialers. “I ask of you only what I will give you in return--100%,” and I soon discovered that Bamieh wasn’t kidding. As coach of mock trial, his high expectations challenged me to immerse myself in rules of objections and cross-examination. His infectious enthusiasm for his work has inspired me to incorporate law and education into my future career goals.

As a coach, Bamieh invites students into his home for practices during the summer and on the weekends during the school year. As a teacher, he shares his knowledge of the law and the judicial system. As a role model, he dedicates his spare time to studying a pretend case after a long day at the district attorney’s office. When newspapers reported Bamieh’s hard work in bringing Justin Merriman to justice, they left out his tireless work after hours, devoted to developing the youth of our community.

Bamieh has said that creating a safe neighborhood involves close work between prosecutors and schools. His words are supported by his actions. On March 5, I hope you join me in strengthening our fight against crime and building the foundation for a better community by voting Bamieh district attorney.

Danielle De Smeth

Berkeley

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I am proud that during my 24 years of service as district attorney, Ventura County has achieved a reputation for being the safest metropolitan area west of the Mississippi River. The current election to choose my successor will be crucial to our ability to maintain this enviable reputation. That’s why I’m voting for Greg Totten.

The district attorney’s office employs more than 550 people and has an annual budget of more than $40 million. Clearly, leading a prosecutor’s office of this size requires someone with experience in successfully managing both people and budgets. But it requires much more than this. Our next district attorney must also be a wise and experienced lawyer who is respected by our trial and appellate courts and local law enforcement personnel--an individual who puts the protection of our community first. And most important, the next district attorney must be a person of unquestioned character. The office of the district attorney is a powerful one and if its leader lacks integrity, there is great potential that it can be used for unjust or personal causes.

Totten, the chief assistant district attorney, has all the qualities necessary to be a great district attorney. He has spent the past 20 years helping to keep Ventura County safe. He is supported by all of the police chiefs in the county, Sheriff Bob Brooks, the deputy district attorneys’ association, our county firefighters, our deputy sheriffs, our cities’ mayors--the list goes on and on. Why? Because these people know both of the candidates. They have had the opportunity to work with them, learn what they stand for and assess their characters. These folks know that Totten is not just the best qualified candidate, but the only qualified candidate.

Totten has earned and deserves our support. Please join our local law enforcers, community leaders and me in voting for Totten for district attorney.

Michael D. Bradbury

Ojai