Letters to the editor: Support for supervisor and judges; Trump is far from an All-Star

Long has done outstanding job

I wholeheartedly support the re-election of Kelly Long for District 3 supervisor. She has worked tirelessly improving our lives in Ventura County. Examples include supporting good-paying jobs, advancing public safety and health care, addressing homelessness, and protecting our water resources.

A key component of Kelly Long’s leadership is that she excels at being open and accessible to all constituents, businesses and organizations across her district. She carefully listens to all input before deciding. Kelly Long uses all scientific evidence and logic to help decide what is best for Ventura County residents. She does not have any bias and is not afraid to make her own decisions. Kelly Long is not a puppet of anyone. This is exactly what is required in all elected officials.

Kelly Long’s proven leadership is why she has a wide range of organization endorsements. Examples include Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association, Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association, Ventura County Agriculture Association PAC, West Ventura County Business Alliance, and Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Local 805, plus many more.

I have known Kelly Long for over 11 years. She has done an outstanding job. She is passionate and truly cares for all of us. As a Ventura County resident of over 40 years, retired geologist, local volunteer like AYSO 68 Regional Commissioner, and past local elected official (Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District Director), I wholeheartedly endorse Supervisor Kelly Long for re-election of District 3.

Mike Mishler, Camarillo

Vote for Andrews for judge

I write to wholeheartedly endorse Edward “Ted” Andrews for Judge of the Superior Court in this election. Ted is a dedicated and experienced prosecutor committed to the safety of our community, who can do the heavy lifting we expect in our justice system.

Let me offer an example. In 2018, Ted Andrews was the lead prosecutor on murder charges, where the defendant accelerated into a car on the highway, ramming the unsuspecting driver ahead of him across traffic, where the victim was struck by an oncoming tractor trailer and killed. Working with detectives from the start, Ted prepared a case that involved a multipart traffic collision as well as complex first-degree murder charges, took the case to trial, and obtained a jury conviction on all counts, within five months of the murder. The killer was sentenced to 34 years to life in prison.

The motto of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is Fiat Justitia, “Let Justice Be Done” — or as I personally put it, “Do Right.” The example above strikes a chord from my work on President Reagan’s Commission on Drunk Driving, but Ted’s work extends beyond his recognition as MADD Prosecutor of the Year. As a Senior Deputy District Attorney, Ted holds serious offenders accountable in human trafficking and sexual assault cases and also devotes himself to work with schools, local law enforcement, and victim advocacy organizations. Ted Andrews’ combined dedication to justice and public service is something we always need on the bench and what we should value in a judicial candidate now.

We have an opportunity in this election to choose a new judge for the Superior Court. I urge you to join me in voting Edward “Ted” Andrews for Judge.

Michael D. Bradbury, Ventura County District Attorney (ret.)

An example of Long’s leadership

Since Kelly Long has been county supervisor in our district many wonderful events and changes have been happening to many of the communities that she serves.

I would like to highlight one area in particular that I have personally witnessed. It has been the revitalization of Nyeland Acres. This area stands as a testament to the commitment and leadership of Supervisor Long. Her advocacy has led to the elimination of a special tax, translating into a $600,000 savings for property owners over 10 years, and unlocked the community center park for everyone’s enjoyment—free of charge.

Under Supervisor Long’s guidance, Nyeland Acres has witnessed the collaboration of county and state resources, pooling together an impressive $10.5 million to rebuild their community center. This isn’t just about a building; it's a promise to the youth and families of Nyeland Acres, offering a sanctuary for health services, after-school programs, and community engagement.

The staff’s dedication of often opening and closing the center themselves, exemplifies a hands-on approach to governing, ensuring the park’s extended hours truly serve the community's needs.

As the county navigates the challenges of maximizing space and ensuring essential services such as water to meet the community's needs. The conversations continue, with the well-being of the community at the heart of each decision fostering a brighter future for Nyeland Acres. Her commitment to this community does not waiver.

Nyeland Acres is just one example of Supervisor Kelly Long’s dedication, unwavering support and tangible achievements to the community that she serves.

Kelly Long has done so much for many different communities within her district, she deserves not just our gratitude but our enthusiastic endorsement. Let’s re-elect a leader who not only makes promises but delivers on them.

Julie Hupp, Oxnard

Supporting Snyder for judge

As a veteran trial lawyer in Ventura County for 35 years, I have had experience with literally dozens of judges in our courtrooms. I have also had the pleasure of appearing before Commissioner Julia Snyder over the last few years on court in both unlawful detainer cases, as well as guardianship matters.

I support Commissioner Snyder for the position of Ventura Superior Court judge because she has shown the appropriate judicial temperament with both attorneys and those individuals who appear before her representing themselves without a lawyer — in pro per. Commissioner Snyder has always been patient with the parties that appear before her and takes her time in making sure that she reaches the correct and just result under the law in making her decisions. She has always been pleasant and delivers service to those in her court with a smile and positive attitude.

Commissioner Snyder has always been a pleasure to appear before, and that is why I support her in this election for the Ventura County Superior Judge.

Gregory J. Ramirez, Ventura

Baseball analogy is way off-base

Re: Linda Disney’s Feb. 23 letter, “Need to kick Biden off the team”:

Ms. Disney’s baseball analogy about kicking Biden off the team shows she knows nothing of baseball or world events.

The better analogy is her hero DJ Trump comes up with bases loaded and two out in the nine down a run. He swings at two pitches not near the strike zone and on the third pitch he takes strike three down the middle of the plate. They lose the game, but he urges teammates to attack the home plate umpire with bats and vandalize the field. He refuses to accept the loss, insists that he hit the game-winning grand slam and when ordered to pay damages for the umpire’s injuries and the damage to the field he tries to sell ugly shoes and red hats to his delusional teammates who think he actually did hit a home run to win the game.

You are not letting that lunatic anywhere near a baseball field for the next season.

Richard Simon, Ventura

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Support for supervisor, judges; Trump is far from an All-Star