Candidates Speak Out on Clinics, Mugu, Library Funds

The Times has asked the three candidates seeking the 1st Supervisorial District seat on the March 26 ballot to respond in writing to questions about three key issues.

Saving Libraries

Question: What should we do to save our financially strapped county library system?

Susan K. Lacey: Library financing was decimated when the state government took away half the annual library budget. We must work together to get state legislators to take responsibility for their impact on libraries. We’re currently lobbying the state to restore these funds. Essentially, city, county and state governments must work together with private groups to restore decent library services since libraries are vital to our children’s future, an informed democracy, and a robust economy.

Jim Monahan: Our county library system does need our help. I am determined to help our libraries. The first course of action the Board of Supervisors must take is to join with other counties and demand the state return funds intended for libraries to the county. Next, we need to keep pressure on our state representatives to return this funding. Third, I would commission a blue ribbon citizens committee (similar to the one of four years ago created to review the county Fire District) to do a proper management audit of the library system to determine the best type of library management and fiscal accountability required. I would support Supervisor Frank Schillo’s proposal for a regional library system as an interim measure until full state funding returns.

If after the above is completed we find insufficient funding available for the libraries, I would support a combination of user-fee/parcel assessment efforts. The recent library initiative in Ventura failed because it was not fair to all property owners and it had a hidden escalation feature that scared many property owners. Also, the mailers used by the pro-library group were very colorful and appeared to be expensive to produce. This resulted in a confused message to the voters. Several voters told me that the library certainly did not appear to be without funds since they could afford multiple mailings of full-color folders.

Carroll Dean Williams: Remember Measure L? The measure to save three libraries in Ventura? $1,533,913 is allocated for Ventura’s three libraries for about 20 hours per week of open time for one year. No official will answer: How much money is needed for our three libraries? Two library employees are paid salaries totaling $210,000. The problem seems well-founded. Lies, half-truths were told and printed to pass Measure L. I cared enough about our libraries to file a court action to get to the bottom of the mess. A little truth goes a long way. Truth would save our libraries if we have courage to face it. I have the solution, but my 100 words are used up.

Outpatient Clinic

Q: Should the county move forward with construction of a new outpatient clinic at the Ventura County Medical Center?

Lacey: Yes. Construction of the clinic building will save the taxpayers money and improve the medical clinic. This clinic qualified for state/federal funding to pay over half the project cost; these funds would otherwise be lost to us. The clinics are currently housed in expensive leased space and will be moved onto land the county already owns. Once the construction cost is paid off, the taxpayers will have these buildings at no cost for 20 or more years. There will be no tax increase and no hospital beds added. The $40 million of construction will create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Monahan: The county offering of Certificates of Participation through the Public Facilities Corporation is the most blatant example of political bushwhacking I have ever witnessed. This is a method of circumventing the intent of Proposition 13 and the voters. I am against COPs and the PFC. I do not believe we need to expand Ventura County Hospital at this time. I see alternatives as contracting out to be more fiscally responsible.

Williams: I believe at this time, this issue is right where it should be. Be it right or wrong. It’s on the ballot! I believe certain issues should be placed before the voters. This is one such issue. This is democracy in action. Obviously, the county has already moved forward with financial arrangements. I was present when one supervisor said, ‘The county does not have any money to fight [in court] this issue.’ The county had a $38-million shortfall. But we’re being told the county is in good financial shape.

Point Mugu Airport

Q: Do you support development of a commercial airport at Point Mugu Navy base?

Lacey: Yes, provided environmental and financial issues are successfully resolved. A commercial airport at Point Mugu has great potential benefits. Our residents would no longer have to fight L.A. traffic congestion to catch a plane. Together with the Port of Hueneme, it would boost agricultural and commercial shipping, and also help retain our military bases. If planned properly, the airport should reduce auto traffic; however, noise, agricultural preservation, air pollution, financing and local road conditions will have to be thoroughly addressed. Airport development will depend heavily on economic and environmental factors, and the commitment of private enterprise and governments.

Monahan: Point Mugu is certainly a very important resource to our county. The commercial airport concept is worth pursuing if we can get assurances that flight patterns will not be over heavy residential areas. Surface traffic created by commercialization must also be considered before we proceed. We could take some lessons from Port Hueneme’s work over the years to expand the commercial port activities as government activities decreased. The balance of expanded shipments together with road improvements, and infrastructure expansion has been very successful.

Williams: I have attended one meeting on this issue. I do not believe an airport at Mugu should be expanded to an international operation. I do not have a vision of another Los Angeles [LAX] at Mugu. I can see a vision of another airport like Goleta. I do support the conversion concept, to convert Point Mugu from military use to civilian uses.