SIMI VALLEY : Stratton Endorses Howard for Board

Simi Valley Mayor Greg Stratton on Tuesday endorsed Vicky Howard--one of two City Council members running for the 4th District supervisor’s seat.

Stratton said he believes Howard is the best choice to deal with the county’s budget problems because of her experience in handling similar issues at the local level. The county is facing a potential $6-million deficit for the 1990-91 fiscal year.

Stratton said Howard was on the council in the early 1980s when the city was facing its own financial crisis.

“She lived through things like slashing budgets,” Stratton said. “It’s an experience you have to go through.”

Howard, who formally began her campaign Tuesday with the opening of her candidate’s headquarters in Simi Valley, said she felt fortunate to have the mayor’s endorsement.

“He certainly is a leader in the community and well respected,” Howard said. “I’m very pleased to have him on my side.”

Simi Valley Councilman Bill Davis is also among the five candidates in the supervisorial race to represent the 4th District, which includes Simi Valley, Moorpark, Somis and Santa Rosa Valley. Also running are Moorpark Planning Commissioner Glen Schmidt, businessman Harold Fick and Ventura College Trustee Tom Ely.