Supervisors Call Flynn Misleading on Transit Panel Bill

Four Ventura County supervisors Tuesday were harshly critical of a proposed reorganization of the county’s Transportation Commission as they accused their colleague John Flynn of inaccurately representing their position.

The proposed changes, in a bill by Assemblyman Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark), would expand the commission’s board from seven to 15 members. Proponents say the larger board would give each of the county’s 10 cities a seat, along with seats for each of the five supervisors.

But several supervisors said their input, as well as that of three cities, had been ignored as the bill sped through the legislative process. Supervisors also had other concerns and asked that the bill be delayed for a year. It is expected to be voted on by the state Senate next week.

Supervisor Kathy Long accused Flynn of erroneously stating that the county board supported the bill when he appeared before a state Senate committee last week.

Flynn said he may have misinterpreted the board’s concerns. But he said it made sense to move forward with the bill because it is backed by the county’s largest cities, including Oxnard.

Supervisors voted to send a letter to Strickland outlining their opposition. Flynn abstained.