Letters to the editor: Endorsements for county supervisors and superior judges
LaVere is the obvious choice
With the primary election coming up, there is an obvious choice for who we want representing the 1st District on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.
We have a theme park employee who has run for almost every local seat going back 20 years without ever gaining any traction; a supposed retired university teacher who refuses to say where he taught or whether he even has a college degree himself; and we have current county supervisor Matt LaVere who has proven to be an experienced, collaborative and hard-working leader during his first term on the Board of Supervisors.
LaVere has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to tackling difficult issues, and looking at his long list of endorsements, it is clear he has developed strong relationships with a wide cross-section of public and private sector leaders. Supervisor LaVere is the experienced leader we need representing us on the Board of Supervisors. And looking at the competition, the choice could not be any more obvious.
Lawrence McGriffin, Ventura
Long committed to public safety
As the former Ventura County Sheriff, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of strong, dedicated leadership in maintaining public safety. It is from this vantage point that I endorse Kelly Long for re-election as Ventura County Supervisor. Her sustained commitment to the safety of our communities has helped in establishing Ventura County as the safest large county in California, a distinction we proudly achieved in 2022.
Kelly has made the safety of our families her top priority. We’ve seen significant reductions in property and violent crimes, and substantial investments in our police and fire protection services. In addition to supporting the Sheriff’s Department, her support for the Ventura County Fire Department in enhancing emergency services, including the deployment of four Transport Ambulances, underscores her commitment to community care.
Her efforts are recognized and endorsed by a wide array of public safety organizations, including the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and the Peace Officers Research Association of California. These endorsements reflect Kelly’s long-term effective partnership with our public safety personnel.
Kelly Long’s leadership ensures that our communities remain safe and our public safety agencies are well-supported. For a safer, secure Ventura County, Kelly Long has my vote, and she deserves yours too.
Geoff Dean, Ventura County Sheriff (Ret.)
Long has principled approach
Kelly Long has a simple principled approach to working on the issues facing Ventura County. Her great character and integrity will continue to guide her on the tough choices we face in our county going forward. These strengths have been displayed in difficult Ventura County Board of Supervisor decisions demonstrating the capable leader Kelly is. Let’s continue to move ahead with Kelly Long as our 3rd District Supervisor. Vote to re-elect Kelly Long.
Michael Rolls, Camarillo
It’s Stephenson without a doubt
Feb. 13 was the last forum for the candidates of the District 3 — Supervisorial Election, which was hosted by the VC League of Women Voters. After viewing the debate, I was more confident with my choice. Kim Marra Stephenson proved she has what it takes to lead and adhere to accountability, unlike the incumbent, Kelly Long. Throughout the debate, for example, every initiative Supervisor Long spoke of supporting, and with such pride, she actually voted against. The dishonesty of the incumbent was disgraceful.
Having lived in the Fillmore area most of my life, I see firsthand the failed leadership of Supervisor Long. Our roads and other forms of infrastructure of District 3 are in disrepair. The “haves and the have-nots” is keenly apparent. Local, good-paying jobs in the Heritage Valley are minuscule, at best. These are the cold hard facts of what District 3 is up against.
Going forward we need an honest broker for hardworking families of District 3. A leader who will have the gumption to say no to outside special interests and work her heart out for all constituents.
This election is our moment to make a change for the better. Know the candidates. Know their records. Know who is funding their campaigns. Power to the people.
Brian N. Sipes, Fillmore
Recommend Andrews for judge
I write to recommend a vote for Senior Deputy District Attorney, Edward “Ted” Andrews, for judge of the Ventura County Superior Court. I have known Mr. Andrews and his family for several years and. in my opinion, Mr. Andrews is the superior candidate for this position. He possesses the temperament and qualifications to make an outstanding judge.
As a practicing attorney myself for over 45 years in Ventura County, I have observed many different judges. I believe that the best judges come to the bench with a diverse legal background, the personality to treat everyone who comes before them with respect, and the ability to impartially hear and weigh the evidence while correctly applying the law to the facts of a case. Mr. Andrews possesses these qualities in abundance.
Mr. Andrews has a background in both civil and criminal law. Mr. Andrews began his legal career as a civil litigator handling a variety of cases, including real estate disputes. Feeling the call of public service, he switched to the Ventura County District Attorney’s office where, as a Senior Deputy District Attorney, he is deeply committed to public safety in Ventura County. As a prosecutor, he has obtained convictions in first degree murder cases, child molestation, and sexual assault cases.
Ventura County cannot do better than to elect Edward “Ted” Andrews as a superior court judge.
William Dunlevy, Ventura
Full support for Snyder for judge
I am writing to express my unequivocal support for Julia Snyder’s candidacy for Ventura County Superior Court Judge. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in our legal community, Julia stands out as the only candidate who brings a comprehensive blend of experience, endorsement, and ethical integrity to the bench.
As a current Ventura County Superior Court Commissioner and a former Deputy District Attorney, Julia has demonstrated an exceptional capacity for fair and judicious decision-making. Her tenure on the bench is marked by a commitment to fairness, accountability, and compassion, ensuring that justice is served with clarity and integrity.
Moreover, Julia’s endorsements from sitting Ventura County Superior Court Judges and local law enforcement groups underscore her broad-based support and trust within our community. Her dedication to legal education as an adjunct professor at Ventura College of Law further exemplifies her commitment to the law and to nurturing the next generation of legal minds.
Rooted in Ventura County, Julia understands our community’s needs and values. Her approach to justice is not only about applying the law but doing so with a heart for the people it affects. Let’s support Julia Snyder for Superior Court Judge — a candidate who truly embodies the principles of justice, integrity, and dedication.
John Barrick, Oxnard
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Endorsements for county supervisors and superior judges
