I won't support or vote anyone who endorses Tony Strickland.

Barbra & I don't agree on many things but we do agree on making local government open & accessible to all. Though I can't vote in city elections she has my support.

Barbra has my support too for the very reason that she did support Tony. You go girl!

BW takes care of BW.

She flip flops to the political winds.

Please list a flip flop for us.

BW supported Dantona for Supervisor then when Foy was elected she sung his praises and said she would support/endorse him in the future. What made Foy so much better in her eyes in a couple of months. If her friend Dantona wants to run in 2010 who would she support?

BW supported Dantona for SD19 then she rolled over to support Strickland and sung his praises.

She sways with the political wind. I would like to see some consistency.

There is no need to support anybody. My guess is that Williamson, Miller and Sojka will all run unopposed. And even if someone was foolish enough to put his or her name on the ballot, the power of incumbency will almost certainly prevail. All this is just a mere formality.

The best path for getting on the City Council in SV is to be appointed through a mid-term vacancy and then run as an unopposed incumbent from there on out.

All that being said, I would vote for Barbra anyway, even though she pisses me off from time-to-time.

Will BW flip on Gallegly too?

She reminds me of another Cathy Wright. Why do these women pols come out of Simi?

Glad to see her endorsing Tony Strickland though.

Flap,

She didn't flip any endorsement that I remember.

Are you just upset she hasn't supported every Republican over every Democrat in every election?

She did endorse and support Rudy in the primary when most local elected Republicans were being very quiet. She was at Rudy's event at Paul's Italian Villa too.

She endorsed Dantona and when he bowed out endorsed someone else. How is that a bad thing? I am pretty sure she didn't endorse Strickland until after Dantona announced he wasn't running.

I could go at length on the many issues, actions, and endorsements that I have disagreed with Barbra Williamson but I have always really appreciated Barbra's openness to taking questions from me and my readers.

Thank you for that Barbra Williamson.

You can do a question and answer entry anytime you want on my blog.

Good point on the Dantona endorsement. You certainly cannot hold that against Barbra. Most elected officials who endorse someone in a primary election will switch to support the candidate selected by their party or the one whom they favor (in the case of a non-partisan race).

This is standard practice in politics. Look at all the Hillary supporters who have switched to Obama, or Romney supporters who have switched to McCain.

You may see some coming upsets in local and county races.

There is a new hotshot Democratic political consultant that has moved into the area.

Quite frankly he is a brilliant political consultant, strategist and loves an upset.

Quiet little Ventura County is in for some surprises.

I would not want to be on his bad side.

@ Brian

There you go again. I was being facetious.

I was at the Paul's Villa event and she was not even introduced. Her role in the Giuliani campaign = negligible.

By the way, is BW supporting Gallegly?

You didn't answer that question.

Surprises,

So surprise us. Who is the Democratic hot shot and where did he move to? I'm pretty tuned in to most of these things through my party contacts and I haven't heard anything about this.

Have a safe & merry 4th of July, everyone! And remember that Independence Day celebrates the day Americans turned their backs on King & Conservatives....which makes it a Liberal holiday!!!

Flap,

I didn't answer your question for a few reasons.

1. You asked if she would flip on Gallegly too. This assumes she has flipped endorsements. I haven't seen that happen unless the person she endorsed is no longer running. So the too doesn't make sense.

2. I don't speak for her.

Thanks for reading and leaving comments.

Independence Day celebrates the day Americans threw off an oppressive government and asserted the rights of each individual to control his own destiny. That makes it a conservative holiday.

BW is going to bring us exciting new shopping experiences. Big deal. Can someone please run against this crazy woman?

JimmyM, I was just goading the opposition but maybe its that nexus of mutual desire for individual civil liberties that connects Liberals & Conservatives. Perhaps along the way we've simply forgotten that connection in the rush to find ways to create distance between us.

Great fireworks display this year. Have a happy 4th of July, everyone!

I heard Barabara Williamson like Leslie Cornejo, former chairwoman of the Ventura County Republican Central Committee endorsed Michael Tennenbaum in the primary.

If I am wrong maybe she can come write here that she supported Gallegly and correct the record.

What say you, Barbara?

Barbra can endorse just about anyone of any political party and it doesn't change the fact that she has done more to beautify Simi Valley, make it a better and better place to invest, raise a family and retire, than anyone else in its recent history. She can flip, she can flop, but we can always count on Barbra to be honest, speak frankly and do what it best for the community.

We will be a better City now that Barb has agreed to serve us for another four years. Go Barb!

For those above who feel it that an elected local official should always support his or her party, I would remind you of something said by Fiorello LaGuadia (who successfully ran this nation's biggest city):

"There is no Democratic or Republican way of cleaning the streets. "

Good local government -first and foremost - should be pragmatic if it is to successfully serve the people. Barbra Williamson knows that. She has my support.

Flap,

Last time I checked Michael Tenenbaum is a Republican. Why aren't Republicans allowed to endorse who they think is the best Republican in a primary without people like you getting upset at them? It didn't endanger Gallegly and he wasn't forced to spend any money.

That all being said I have never heard of Barbra Williamson endorsing him. If it was done in secret that seems like a very ineffective way of campaigning.

Who did you hear it from? Sounds like a wild rumor by rapid partisans afraid of anyone that doesn't drink every drop of the kool aid.

As far as her supporting Rudy Giuliani if she didn't do much which elected official locally did? It seems like most of them were too scared to make a choice when there was many Republicans running.

If you think Democrats are allowed to endorse who they think is the best Democrat in a primary without reprecussions from Democrats who disagree with them, you don't know your own party very well. Party unity is a myth.

Good point Brian - why is it so awful to endorse the non-incumbent?

The presidential race was pathetic - I remember Elton supporting Duncan Hunter way back at the beginning but other than that nobody said nothing! Actually, Neal Andrews has always supported John McCain - even during his darkest days.

There was no activity here in Ventura County for Rudy - BW was about the most vocal. He did have a lousy team and it cost him big time. I thought Mitt would have won Ventura County but as usual I was wrong.

I supported Rudy. I never thought Mitt Romney had a chance in Ventura County - way too conservative.

@ Brian

I thought you didn't speak for Barbara Williamson or speak to her? Which is it?

Why hasn't she responded?

Did she endorse Tennenbaum or not in the GOP primary for Congress? I heard she did.

As to why it is important, it goes to her judgment. She can endorse whoever she wants but when up for re-election the voters should know with whom she runs.

Republicans in Simi Valley should know if she threw long time incumbent Elton Gallegy under the bus.

Get it?

@Katie

There was an active Rudy Giuliani campaign in Ventura County.

By your comments, I don't think you were "in the loop."

By the way, Katie, as a good Republican, you are still registered GOP, right(?) will you be supporting Elton Gallegly over Democrat Marta Jorgensen?

For that matter how about Barbara Williamson?

Flap,

I heard Tony Strickland is doing fund raisers for Marta Jorgensen.

I don't have any proof but unless he comes on here and denies it then maybe it is true.

I also heard Elton Gallegly endorsed Michael Tenenbaum to replace him in two years when Gallegly retires.

I don't have any proof but unless he denies it then it might be true.

Why not just go to the endorsement pages and see where her name is listed?

@ Brain

I didn't think you spoke for Barbara Williamson.

Why are you doing so now?

You said she read and contributed to your blog so I thought it was easy just to ask her - since she is such an open public person.

Guess not....

Thanks for calling me Brain. I appreciate it. You do admit you have no proof or reason to believe beyond a random rumor that you haven't sourced for your story, yes?

She has contributed many times. Google ask Barbra Williamson or go to the archives. She has answered many, many questions on here.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

@Flap

I was not actively involved in the Rudy G. campaign because of some of the people that were (Steve Frank for one). Why reward poor decision making with my time or efforts? I wanted to be an oridinary voter. But I did follow his campaign and it was abysmal - thus his early withdrawl.

Yes I am a registered Republican - always have been and always will be. This doesn't mean that Republican candidates or incumbents have my vote - they have to earn it. I think more and more people vote this way.

As the Brain pointed out, you haven't sourced your material so it is speculation. I would ask BW directly - she's easy to find.

@ Brian,

See I learn from my typos.

I thought it was easy to ask Barbara Williamson here since Brian made such a point of the fact she was a contributor and a reader.

Why are you so touchy about asking a politician a question in a public forum?

Yes or No?

Did she support Michael Tennenbaum in the GOP primary election and does she support Elton Gallegly in the November general election?

If she doesn't read the blog post then I guess she will not answer. These are not difficult questions.

If someone else knows then they can chime in, I suppose.

With regards to sources, since I am a credentialed journalist under the California Shield Law I would not have to reveal my sources even to the courts.

@Katie

Sorry Katie, I thought you re-registered to Decline to State from GOP since you started that moderate politics organization. I know I received an e-mail from you about it some time ago.

I have to agree with you that Rudy G's campaign was lousy but John McCain beat him too. Rudy gave it a shot and came up short.

Why would you let Steve Frank dictate who you support for President. So, are you saying that if Steve Frank supports GOP candidate A that because of this you will either sit at home or support candidate B?

You supporting McCain or Obama? Gallegly or Jorgensen?

Using Flap's logic, I would like confirmation that Elton G. was endorsed by the Ventura County Republican Central Committee during the first vote and a special meeting didn't have to be called. I know people read this blog who were at the meeting(s) so they can chime in if they want.

I say that he didn't win the endorsement during the regular meeting and that some of his supporters were terrified that the press would find out and print the news.

@insider

I thought GOP County Central Committees were precluded by by-law to endorse in contested primary elections.

At least they used to be that way. Case law may have changed this rule.

Any election gurus know?

Flap,

That sounds like a terrible law if that were true.

Did you bother to look at Elton Gallegly's site? Barbra Williamson is listed there.

http://www.gallegly.com/endorsements.php

I find it odd how much the local GOP dwells on Tenenbaum.

Are they scared or something? Randomly accusing people of supporting him?

Have you met him?

Flap a credentialed journalist??? Yep, just like Tony is a big-time alternative energy executive.

@ Pretenders

Want to place a little wager on it?

Say $1,000?

@ Brian

I thought you did not speak for Barbara Williamson.

Since you said she participates here I wanted to hear from her whether she supported Gallegly in the primary election or Tennenbaum.

Obviously the cat has her tongue.

The California Shield Law has been in effect since 1935 as amended. Here is a link for you.

http://www.gannett.com/go/newswatch/2000/november/nw1103-7.htm

Flap,

I don't know what your point is about this whole thing.

Why not go to Gallegly's homepage? She is listed there. It hasn't changed recently.

Sorry I have been absent from the blog, but something is wrong with my home computer, and I don't like blogging at work, but I see inquiring minds want to know to whom I gave my endorsements...so here it is............
I have always endorsed Elton, (can't respect a man in a chicken suit so that leaves out Tanenbaum)....Yes I endorsed Rudy (now that endorsement has gone to McCain, is that a flip or a flop?)and Strickland.
This reply is to "Sold out"...I've never sold out to anyone or anything in my life! I may have been convienced to change my mind, and quite frankly I think it is a good thing to have an open mind. Brian was correct. I supported Jim Dantona because he was/is my friend. When he lost to Mr.Foy, I got behind him with my support. What people like you, Mr. Sold Out,don't understand is that I don't hold a grudge..When I loose, I admit it and move on......

Why did you endorse Tony Strickland over Hannah Beth Jackson? Do you think he'll be a better representative, or was it for other reasons?

Flap is to journalists as Elmer Fudd is to hunters.

His aim is not very accurate and he's rather cartoonish.

Other reasons

Other reasons

lots of reasons

Hello Barbra,

Thank you for taking questions.

I read in the paper that the City Council campaign finance info. will soon be online. Will it be as comprehensive as the finances are for example a County Supervisor. Michelle Foster said it would only be a summary page for "legal reasons". Can we see the expenditures, contributions and donations received, if not why?

Why would a city council members campaign finance disclosure have different legal requirments than those of a County Supervisor. I don't want to call and make an appointment to see a councilmember's finances and have to pay for a copy that is intimidating. If I make an appointment how do I know that all the names won't be given to council members?

I went in to the City offices and asked to see finances and they wanted my name, the County doesn't ask for your name, they leave the campaign finances of anyone actively running on the counter top easily accessible, so you don't even have to ask to look. You also do not need to make an appointment, now that's transparency.

I understnad if donations and expenditures do not include addresses, but they should still be listed for a Council Member to truly be transparent.

Hello,
first and foremost, if you go to city hall and the person asks for your name, ask them theirs and then call me. they are not to ask you your name, address or anything unless you are paying by check. If you give them cash, then no questions should be asked. I am not sure about out laws being different than the county, so I will ask and get back to you.

I agree. The donations should be online. That way we can google people to see what their interest in city government might be.

Being more open would promote more trust in government.

Thanks for taking questions from readers.

Need me to fix your computer?

Here is the government code as to why we do not list names and address of donors on the website.
You can, however, go to city hall and view it for free, or you can have them photocopy and youc an purchase them. Where the rub comes, is if a retired police officer or former elected official donates to a campaign, and we disclose their home address or other personal information, according to our city attorney we, the city could be sued. Now I know some of you are going to cry fowl, as I did, but hey, take it up with Audra Strickland, Tom McClintock, and the rest of the elected in Sacramento.....please don't shoot the messenger.LOL

6254.21. (a) No state or local agency shall post the home address or telephone number of any elected or appointed official on the Internet without first obtaining the written permission of that individual.
(f) For purposes of this section, "elected or appointed official"
includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1) State constitutional officers.
(2) Members of the Legislature.
(3) Judges and court commissioners.
(4) District attorneys.
(5) Public defenders.
(6) Members of a city council.
(7) Members of a board of supervisors.
(8) Appointees of the Governor.
(9) Appointees of the Legislature.
(10) Mayors.
(11) City attorneys.
(12) Police chiefs and sheriffs.
(13) A public safety official as defined in Section 6254.24.
(14) State administrative law judges.
(15) Federal judges and federal defenders.
(16) Members of the United States Congress and appointees of the President.

6254.24. As used in this chapter, "public safety official" means the following:
(a) An active or retired peace officer as defined in Sections 830 and 830.1 of the Penal Code.
(b) An active or retired public officer or other person listed in Sections 1808.2 and 1808.6 of the Vehicle Code.
(c) An "elected or appointed official" as defined in subdivision
(f) of Section 6254.21.
(d) An attorney employed by the Department of Justice, the State Public Defender, or a county office of the district attorney or public defender, the United States Attorney, or the Federal Public Defender.
(e) A city attorney and an attorney who represent cities in criminal matters.
(f) A specified employee of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation who supervises inmates or is required to have a prisoner in his or her care or custody.
(g) A sworn or nonsworn employee who supervises inmates in a city police department, a county sheriff's office, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, federal, state, or a local detention facility, and a local juvenile hall, camp, ranch, or home, and a probation officer as defined in Section 830.5 of the Penal Code.
(h) A federal prosecutor, a federal criminal investigator, and a National Park Service Ranger working in California.
(i) The surviving spouse or child of a peace officer defined in Section 830 of the Penal Code, if the peace officer died in the line of duty.
(j) State and federal judges and court commissioners.
(k) An employee of the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a public defender who submits verification from the Attorney General, district attorney, or public defender that the employee represents the Attorney General, district attorney, or public defender in matters that routinely place that employee in personal contact with persons under investigation for, charged with, or convicted of, committing criminal acts.
(l) A nonsworn employee of the Department of Justice or a police department or sheriff's office that, in the course of his or her employment, is responsible for collecting, documenting, and preserving physical evidence at crime scenes, testifying in court as an expert witness, and other technical duties, and a nonsworn employee that, in the course of his or her employment, performs a variety of standardized and advanced laboratory procedures in the examination of physical crime evidence, determines their results, and provides expert testimony in court.

How is it different then when the state does it?

We don't need the address but the name, employer, and amount of donation would help.

Would that violate the law?

They city could check into how the county does it. They don't include phone numbers and other personal information.

The privacy rights should be protected but it can be done to allow for more transparency.

Did someone ask if I endorsed in the Republican primary for the 24th district? No. Interestingly, I did 2 years ago after Gallegly pulled out of the race when it became an uncontested primary.
This year I did not, but even though it was contested, the Central Committee changed its bylaws so they could endorse in a contested primary.

Did someone ask if I endorsed in the Republican primary for the 24th district? No. Interestingly, I did 2 years ago after Gallegly publically pulled out of the race and it became an uncontested primary.
This year I did not endorse. It was a contested primary, but the Central Committee changed its bylaws so they could endorse in a contested primary.
Ironic, no?

sorry about the re-run - version 2 is clearer :>)

sorry about the re-run - version 2 is clearer :>)

Did the Central Committee change its rules, Leslie, or did you change your moral compass?

Come on Barbra. Where in the Code does it say the City can't post the name and address of donors? It says current police officers and current elected officials. You are talking about retired police officers and ex-elected officials. If the donor lists his occupation as police officer or elected official, don't list the address. Otherwise, be open and honest and do so. You are pushing a phony legal explanation for a decision that sure looks political.

You are usually honest. You should read the Code and rethink your position!

How was it that Elton was endorsed by the Central Committee this election then? (Granted, he didn't make it on the first vote). It was a contested election - unlike 2004 - why are you perpetuating a dead horse?

The CC endorsed a candidate in a contested race this year, they didn't in 2004. Who lost a moral compass Spokesperson?

Ok OK..I will push the envelope and see if I can get the council make a recommendation to just publish the name of the person who is making a campaign contribution and the dollar amount....

Thank you Barbra,

I am gaining a new level of respect for you and your willingness to take on this issue.

Would you also recommend that the contributions and expenditures are listed.

It is important to know who is benefitting from all the donations. For example is a spouse a paid consultant, and what other candidates or charities does a Candidate Committee support, who is the political consultant, printer etc. Expenditures can be very revealing on who is behind who. It can also reveal if a candidate is not claiming all the expenditures and someone may be giving in kind donations.

If I made a donation to a campaign, which I often do I want to know what other candidates they may pass that along to. I also want to know what charitable donations are given from the candidate committee that positive reflection of the candidate in my eyes. For example if a candidate raises money and then runs unopposed I would hope that they would pass my contribution along to local charities. But if it is a charity/PAC/candidate that I may not support such as "California Club for Growth" I would also like to know that.

I don't think I brought my name up on July 5 - FLAP did. If someone tries to take a cheap shot or re-write history I reserve the right to correct the record.

The two years in question are 2006 and 2008. In 2006 the Central Committee had a rule about not endorsing in contested primaries. I endorsed after Elton pulled out of the race in compliance with the rules. They also had and still have a rule about members not endorsing members of another party. That was the year Central Committee Ex-Officio Member Tony Strickland endorsed Democrat Jim Dantona for BOS over Republican Judy Mikels.

In 2008 the VCRCC changed its bylaws so that it COULD endorse Elton in the contested primary.

Barb, are you raising campaign funds? If someone enters the race besides you and Sojka, you will probably need some money. Where do we send it? Will you be having a fundraiser? Simi Valley is a much better community on account of what you have done. Thank you for running for another term.

IT'S DONE..........ypee! The city will be show the name of the person and the dollar amount of the donation(s). They will not print a name or address......Thanks everyone for making me push the envelope....

opps, I meant to say, they will only print the first and last name of the donor and the dollar amount. No address will be given.

This is to "Campaign Finance"...yes,the city website will show candidates expenditures . However, if a candidate goes unopposed and has raised $$$ for the campaign, he or she must use it for non-profit or political purposes...for instance. I can purchase a table at the Boys & Girls club auction for $600 and use campaign dollars for that purchase, or I could purchase an auction item and use campaign dollars. I could use it to upgrade my computer or purchase campaig stationary. I have to report alll spending on my campaign statement however.
Does that answer your questions?

Leslie & Katie united in venom...

Barbra Williamson,
What is the link to the Simi Valley city council campaign contribution list? How often is it updated? I am having trouble finding it.