Two candidates you can vote for
I would like to recommend two candidates running in the June 2 primary election. Both have a vision, and the stamina to see their initiatives through, and both are well qualified and well-placed to lead.
I met Treasurer-Tax Collector candidate Derek Fouarge two years ago when we volunteered on a community project. Raised in Ventura County, Derek has worked in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office and currently serves as the Director of Accounting for the District Attorney’s Office. He holds the Advanced Certified Public Funds Investment Manager (ACPFIM) designation.
Derek will modernize payment systems to make it easier to pay your taxes, and will ensure that seniors, veterans and struggling homeowners can access taxpayer relief programs. More info at FouargeforTaxCollector.com.
Chris Espinosa is a candidate for Congress to represent CA-26, the seat currently held by Julia Brownley. I’ve known Chris, a Santa Paula native, since he was in middle school and have watched him prepare to lead. For nearly 20 years Chris has worked in Washington, DC, for a member of Congress or a related nonprofit.
Other candidates talk about what they will do when they get to Washington; Chris is doing it, and he has a track record and network to show for it. Chris will lead on the issues Ventura County families have told him are important: cost of living, healthcare, democracy, immigration reform, digital privacy, and climate and environmental justice. Chris will fight for our future. Endorsements, etc., at EspinosaforCongress.com.
Mary Ann Krause, Santa Paula
Perryman isn’t being transparent
Re: your May 8 story, “Three vie for Ventura County supervisor seat in District 2”:
I was troubled to read the recent Ventura County Star candidate profile story in which District 2 Supervisor candidate Mark Perryman declined to disclose his political party affiliation. The other two candidates in this race shared party affiliation with the Star reporter. Voters rightfully deserve full transparency from anyone seeking public office.
As Ventura County’s retired Clerk-Recorder and Elections Official, I believe openness and transparency are essential to maintaining public trust in our democratic process. Voters should have access to as much relevant information as possible when making important decisions at the ballot box.
Voter file information show Perryman is a registered Democrat and has been registered as a Democrat for at least the past 13 years. In fact, last year Mr. Perryman attended the Democratic Party’s Spring Fling event seeking the support of local Democrat Party leaders for his county supervisor campaign.
There is nothing improper about belonging to a political party. Californians across the political spectrum proudly affiliate with the party that best reflects their beliefs. What is concerning is a candidate’s apparent desire to not be transparent with voters about that affiliation, while courting partisan political support behind the scenes.
After failing to earn the local Democrat Party endorsement, Perryman now seeks to convince voters he’s unaffiliated with any political party, and is some sort of independent, which is deceiving. My words here are not meant to condemn any political party over the other, but to highlight dishonesty by candidates participating in active concealment and deception. This behavior showcases the type of candidate who should receive no voter support in seeking public office.
Transparency, open government, and an informed electorate are fundamental principles of good government. Ventura County voters deserve honesty and full disclosure from every candidate asking for their trust and their vote.
Mark Lunn, Thousand Oaks
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Backing two candidates, transparency issue for Perryman | Letters
Reporting by Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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