Question 1 - Answer: The Central Committee has the power to endorse whomever they want. Some Central Committees do endorse candidates in non-partisan races. If the candidate has lobbied the Committee and truly desires their endorsement, then I believe he/she deserves a chance for a vote from the members.

Question 2 - Answer: On simply the question alone, my answer would be yes. However, when someone chooses to work on a campaign, they really have little knowledge of the person behind the politics. It's easy to support someone initially and then find out later that they're unethical, mean, or even down right mentally unstable. In other words, it's always a gamble.

Question 3 - Answer: I liked Rudy because he went on Howard Stern, but at the polls it was John McCain.

What do you think of Party Chair Michael Steele? If you had to vote tonight would you support retaining him or going in another direction?

Do you have any doubt Barack Obama is a US Citizen and that he was born in The United States of America? What do you think about the people pushing conspiracies that he wasn't born here?

Linda Parks or Audra Strickland for Supervisor?

Why are you running for central committee?

Is there anything you would like to see changed?

I have two questions:

1. What District are you running for?

2. Were you friends with Audra before she was married? Didn't you guys meet in college or something?

Only Michael knows the truth. He also knows that negative attention to the party will only hurt Republican candidates. There's nothing wrong with leaving a position for the greater good. If I knew all the facts I could make a definite decision.

If anyone thinks Barack Obama is NOT an American citizen they're just morons. I say, get a life!!! They're just mean spirited people who should re-direct their bad research skills to finding Atlantis, or mermaids, or my damn keys. Where did I put those?

I don't know Linda, but as I go door to door campaigning I hear, over and over again, that she is too liberal. On the flip side, people like Audra because she's approachable. She's someone you can contact and she'll get back to you. People like that in their elected officials. I think Audra will be good for Ventura County.

I'm running for Central Committee becasue I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines. The Committee is unknown to most voters. Voters have no idea what it is and who's on it. I want to be the first visible figure on the committee. If elected, I intend to convert my website to something like your blog...a place for people to see what's going on and give them a platform to tell me what they're thinking. I'm a people person. I have many more Democrat friends than Republican and all of their opinions matter to me.

Historically, Central Committees are paded by friends, business associates, family, and others to gain a free ride to endorsements. I know I'm the new guy in town and I have to struggle to get elected, but it's my desire to break up the old stronghold and bring in some fresh new faces and ideas.

Katie,

I'm running in district 3.

I met Audra Carson in 1996. We were both selected to serve on the Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Felowship Program 1996-1997. We were recent College grads at the time.

So I live in Camarillo and my choices are

District 3 – 4 Positions
Chris Collier Ashur Givargis
Sean Paroski Toni Strickland
Chris Valenzano

Let's see = Toni is Tony's mother, Chris C. works for Tony, Chris V. used to work for Audra and is lazy, you are a friend of Audra's, and Sean P. who is smart, young and intertwined.

The Central Committee website doesn't list all of the Republican candidates so of course voters are uninformed - even the Federated ladies don't get proper information or timely collateral material.

Why do you deserve support?

Katie,

That's easy. I'm my own person with my own ideas. I am not friends with Audra. I have never hung out with her or her family and I am certainly not in her inner circle. I am, by the very definition, the OUTSIDER. Audra could endorse me, but she hasn't. She is an acquaintance much like someone you've gone to school with. I know who she is and I've spoken to her, but that's the extent of it. The mere presence of Ash Givargis mixes it up a bit for shoe-in candidates for the Committee.

I'll give you one more. Who else, running for the Committee, is going to door and putting up signs and a website and taking questions?

----------------------Deleted personal attack using anti-female language------------------

Good luck to you in your race. You sound like you have some great ideas and appear to be a very thoughtful person.

Actually Chris C. is Audra's campaign manager according to his Facebook now.

It does seem a little tilted.

Ash, given that kind of power dynamic, would you be willing to disagree with the stricklands?

Once again, this election is about the Stricklands controlling the money donated to the county Republican party. One of the winning members above will be the District Chair, with a vote on the Executive Committee which controls all the money. Anyone who does not vote in lock-step with the Stricklands will be allowed to stuff envelopes.

Ash,

Who are you supporting for governor? Rank the following in order of their importance to you: Social issues, foreign policy, economics.

Ash,

Have you ever voted for a Democratic candidate for a nonpartisan office? What about for a partisan position?

this guy,

I don't owe anyone anything. This is my first attempt at this office. People can agree to disagree. There will be times when I will dissent from the majority. That's the risk I take, but as long as my supporters are behind me all will be fine.

Ash,

Would you speak at a Tea Party rally? What do you think of the movement in general?

Brian,

Can you fix my last name right below the sign? Thanks!

The Governor's race is extremely crucial to both my wife and I as we are both civil servants. The budget crisis we are in is THE most important issue. I worked for Social Services and I know firsthand how vital it is. The Governor, although powerful, has a much smaller role in Foreign Policy so I rank it 3rd on my list.

I really don't see eye to eye on all issues with any of the candidates. I feel there are much better choices out there that haven't yet emerged. The Gubernatorial Candidates will ultimately be stymied if they fail to STOP the runaway spending in California.

I supported a Conservative Democrat in Davis, CA running for City Council. In Davis, that's the closest to a Republican that has any chance of winning.

Back in my liberal college days I supported and helped campaign for Bill Clinton. I still like Bill.

I hate having to type my name over and over again...sheesh!!

Eric,

I have not yet partied with the Tea Party. It doesn't seem like a fun party to me. With that said, I respect and honor those that are none politicians speaking out. However, I don't want someone becoming the Leader of the Tea Party. I guess I just don't see it that way. These are common folks who are upset with Washington politics. Let them speak without the politicians trying to use the movement for their own political gains.

Ash,

Thanks for a direct answer and Brian thanks for hosting the interview. Since we're talking about Bill and the Tea Parties, what do you think of his recent comparison of the Tea Parties to the OK City Bombers. Was that out of line?

Eric,

It's clearly not the same thing. If the Tea Party starts blowing up buildings then maybe.

That's good to hear, although if some nut does blow up a building or shoots somebody, I hope people don't attempt to link all conservatives to it. That wouldn't be honest, but nobody ever accused Clinton of being a man of his word.

This is one of the reasons I'm running for office. I'm tired of territorial politics. Why does the left label the Tea Party a Conservative movement? Take the politicians out of it and we're hearing from regular working folks. It becomes conservative when Sara Palin and/or Michele Bachmann show up.

Honestly, I don't want to hear from them. Put the single mom with three kids that just lost her job up at the podium. I want to hear her story. Put the young soldier, just back from three tours to Iraq up there that can't find work. Career politicians just can't stay away can they?

Ash, it does make a difference - I received an e-mail asking me who you were because her neighbor had a sign of yours.

Message to all readers - just because you can vote for several candidates on a committee or a board doesn't mean you have to. In fact, your vote will be more powerful if you just target one person.

Thanks again for your responses, Ash. Good luck in your campaign.

Oh, is that right, Katie? If you vote for just one candidate, your vote carries more weight? Gee, I could have never figured that one out without your help. Thanks so much, Katie.

Katie,

I agree. Vote for Ash!! Many of my liberal friends are switching parties just to vote for me in June because they believe in me and what I'm trying to do.

You've all been really great to communicate with. I look forward to more conversations. I appreciate all opinions and I wish you all the very best.

Now, if someone can get me an article in the papers...

Thanks

To Everyone:

Please join me on Facebook and keep in touch by e-mailing me at ash@ashgivargis.org.

Ash,

First of all, WOW!!! I knew you liked to get involved but running for office? That's Fantastic. It's about time that we have someone that is interested in people rather than parties. My question for you is; What is your take on immigration, legal or illegal?

James

Ash, when answering questions about your positions just remember that you can passionately support an issue and then support candidates who fight for the exact opposite. Katie does it.

So, when she she tries to play all holier-than-thou with you or anyone else, just remember...she full of sheet.

Let clarify who else is running - remember all the incumbents voted to endorse Audra Strickland in her bid for Supervisor even though Linda Parks is also a Republican.

Remember to vote for ONLY who you want and don't feel obligated to vote for all that you can. Your vote will be more valuable that way.

Neal Andrews - Incumbent
Monique Dollonne - challenger and ran for office as a trustee for Ventura Unified School District
Mike Gibson - ran unsucessfuly for City Council, was endorsed by Mike and Mary Osborn, attacks me all the time on the blogs under fake names
John McBride - Incumbent, has a good facebook
Kirstin Neuman - big Strickland support, involved in her BOS bid
John Thompson - Incumbent, friend of Mike Osborn
Mike and Mary Osborn - Both incumbents, Mike is the current chairman and hatchetman for the Stricklands. Mary is his wife. Nuff said.

John Anderson - Incumbent, Ran with Mike Dunn for Conejo Unified School District, Strickland supporter,
Claira Guerra - Incumbent, former Strickland employee
Darin Henry - Incumbent, current Strickland employee, nominal owns DMH printing which prints all the hit pieces, door hangers, etc.
Rebecca Henry - Incumbent, wife of Darin
Matthew Hewitt - involved with Young Republicans, college republicans, etc.
Arkday Milgram, Incumbent, has served as treasurer and sign off on all the $$$ that goes in and out of the coffers,
Eric Grubel - ???

District 1 – 5 Positions
Neil Andrews Monique Dollonne
Mike Gibson John McBride
Kirstin Neumann Mary Osborn
Mike Osborn Paul Thompson

District 2 – 6 Positions

John Andersen Claira Guerra
Eric Grubel Darin Henry
Rebecca Henry Matthew Hewitt
Arkady Milgram

James,

Immigration is a very sensitive subject, but I believe it deserves an honest answer. I worked hand-in-hand with the United Farm Workers in the Central Valley. There are thousands of illegal’s picking fruit, working the fields, working the packing houses, construction, an other labor intensive jobs all over the Country. Nearly all of them pay taxes and have been here for years and raised families.

If I was King for a day, here's what I would do. I would immediately legalize all non-citizens that can prove a 5 year + working history in the U.S. paying taxes, with no criminal record and a clean background check. I would allow farmers, who employ some of the workers, forgiveness for wrongdoing in hiring illegal’s if they cooperate with authorities. I would immediately deport any illegal’s that have a criminal history. I would work directly with the Mexican government to share in the effort to stop illegal immigration just like the Feds are doing now. I would re-direct soldiers and the National Guard to protect the borders while we build better border controls.

Lastly, implement the Y and Z Visa's as proposed by the McCain-Kennedy Bill.

We will never stop illegal immigration, but we can certainly be compassionate and lend a helping hand to good, hard working people trying to escape tyranny, poverty, and oppression from their home countries. I believe this is exactly what the founders envisioned America to be.

Ash,

Great answer. Good luck, and you have my vote!!!

James

Why is it worth mentioning that the incumbents support Audra Strickland? Linda Parks has repeatedly supported Democrats...and not the moderate kind...in her public life. You, of all people, should know that the capital letter in () next to your name is often meaningless and actions speak louder than party affiliation.

Take you for example you, Katie. You have repeatedly described yourself as a Conservative Republican yet you constantly let your hatred for everything Strickland cloud your judgment. You're willing to support liberal Democrats just to spite them. Your hatred for the Stricklands even trumps your desired protection for the unborn. It's too bad, really.

Like I always say: Integrity trumps Party every time.

So which one of the incumbents didn't want their ballot designation to say that?

Katie is nothing but a huge bag of wind. She knows nothing about integrity. Her constant badgering of anything Strickland is completely nauseating. Her reputation on this blog is as an angry white woman with an axe to grind.

Her credibility and integrity are both at an all-time low - zero!

Dedicating your time and effort to the pro-life cause while supporting pro-abortion candidates takes integrity?

Wow.

The abortion issue is used by both Dems and Reps to get people fired up. I have been Pro-Choice; now I am Pro-Life. Our "Pro-Life" legislators have done NOTHING to promote education or parental notification. So yes, I will support a Pro-Choice candidate because asking for the Pro-Life vote isn't enough. Nor does a position on abortion trump other issues.

I say this is how it will come out:

In District 1 - the Osborn's, Andrews, Gibson, and Thompson.

In District 2 - the Henry's, Andersen, Guerra, and Milgram.

Name recognition tends to dictate the outcome in these low profile races.

I agree with your assessment on the winners in these 2 Districts. They're all pretty dedicated folks too. I happen to know most of them.

These are voluntary positions and I think we should be thankful to these people that they are willing to be involved in the furtherance of democracy in Ventura County.

District 3 – 4 Positions
Chris Collier Ashur Givargis
Sean Paroski Toni Strickland
Chris Valenzano

Dang, I just found out that Sean P. works for Tony - that means everyone but Ash is either related to, works for or worked for one of the STricklands.

Ash - you are look better to me but I'm worried about your STrickland connection.

That's OK Katie, we're all worried about your reality connection.

I'm not worried. The further away from reality she drifts, the more likely she will be committed to a loony bin.

Katie Teague has proven herself over and over again on this blog and others to be harboring a personal vendetta against the Stricklands and pretty much any other Republican running for office in Ventura County. Yet, she claims to be a conservative Republican.

It is not difficult to see through the thin veneer of delusion that Katie is cloaking herself in?

Just remember, Ash is the ONLY one campaigning, going door to door meeting the people, and putting up signs. If Ash doen't win, then GOD help us all.

Do you always talk about yourself in the third person?

Well Ash, you seem to be the only one not related to the Stricklands or in their employ or former employ. And now you are getting nonsensical treatment by "voter" - you must be doing something right.

voter,

Only when I'm trying to make a strong point. Third person is hip. It's cool. Ash thinks 'voter' is cool too for pointing it out.

Well, there goes Katie again on another one of her anti-Strickland rants. Some things never change...

The Stricklands never change.

I think you're cool for realizing it was a lighthearted jab.

What does everyone truly think about Sarah Palin?

What about the recent Arizona Immigration laws?

Well, when the federal government's not doing it's job, what's a girl to do? Way to go, Jan!

Three questions please:

1. Please name at least 5 (or more) well-known Republicans who you admire or see as role models, and give us your reasons why.

2. Do you think that Reagan created "smaller government" or just transferred responsibility for government functions and regulations to the corporations?

3. What do you think of Audra Strickland's 11th hour decision to move from her home district to Thousand Oaks, in order to challenge a fellow incumbent Republican? If you were on the committee would you have voted for this or against it?

At the time Reagan was elected the Pacific NW had a vibrant wood mill industry, supported by US laws that prohibited the export of raw lumber. If Asia wanted wood from the US, it had to be milled here.

One of Reagan's first initiatives was to dismantle the raw lumber export bans and he was successful. Overnight US mills were shut down and replaced by fleets of Japanese-owned factory ships that bought up raw lumber. Scores of thousands of Americans were put out of work and after searching for a scapegoat, the EPA chose the rare spotted owl to take the fall. The Administration blamed overly zealous environmentalists for closing down the NW lumber industry even as cutting increased...it just all went overseas instead.

Poor government? A well-meaning effort that went wrong?

Immediately after the export bans were voided, Japanese businessmen advanced then President Reagan $4.5M to write his memoirs.

Damn that spotted owl!

Eileen,

1. Please name at least 5 (or more) well-known Republicans who you admire or see as role models, and give us your reasons why.

When asked who my role model was by the Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellowship Committee, before they selected me, I told them Ronald Reagan. As a recent Cal Lutheran grad at the time, I had just finished a class held at the Reagan Library where I was given access to documents most people haven't seen except for White House insiders during the Reagan Administration. Some of them were hand written notes to staff and his wife Nancy. I absolutely loved the way Reagan used humor during difficult times. I do it too in my private life. It's a great way to step back from the madness that engulfs our lives and enjoy the simple things for a moment.

Since I don't want to get long winded here, I will list the others that I admire:

John McCain - the man is a true American Hero and deserves every one's respect.

Mike Huckabee - probably the nicest, most sincere politician since Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln - the first Republican and because he optimizes the dream which is American.

Rudy Giuliani - great leader under pressure. I wish I had his calmness when disaster strikes.

2. Do you think that Reagan created "smaller government" or just transferred responsibility for government functions and regulations to the corporations?

I was just a kid throughout the Reagan years, but I remember the constant sentiment that he delivered when he said, "Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem."

3. What do you think of Audra Strickland's 11th hour decision to move from her home district to Thousand Oaks, in order to challenge a fellow incumbent Republican? If you were on the committee would you have voted for this or against it?

Audra used to live in Thousand Oaks, so it's not completely unusual that she would one day wish to move back. With that said, it's obviously a strategic move that many politicians have used to win a seat. McClintock did it twice, once in Ventura to win the State Assembly and the Senate seat and then again in Sacramento to win a Congressional seat. Ultra Conservatives all throughout California were glad that he won. Do I endorse it and would I do it myself to win a seat, the answer is simple for me, No. I can be quite cut and dry when it comes to principles and that may be a problem for some if I get elected to the Committee. I have lived my life, thus far, with a core set of values and principals that I will never waver from. I hope to be like a brick on the Committee...unselfish and true to my Word. There's nothing I detest more than a politician seeking only personal gain to perpetuate a lifestyle, or seeking office because being ordinary is not good enough for them. Ordinary people are what made America great. The first politicians all had primary jobs. Producing legislation was part time. I would like to make it that way again and eliminate the 'Career Politician'. It's un-American to stay in office for decades.

Youth Correctional Employee Seeks Seat on Ventura County Republican Central Committee
Ash Givargis, Southern Region IT Supervisor for the Department of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Justice, seeks a seat on the Ventura County Republican Central Committee this June.
Camarillo, CA - April 12, 2010 – Tired of wasteful spending and high taxes on California’s citizens, Ash Givargis desires to add a new perspective to the Ventura County Central Committee.
California Lutheran University graduates and married at Samuelson Chapel on July 4, 1998, Ash and his wife, Brenda, have made Camarillo their home for the past year and a half. They both work at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility in Camarillo and are now actively looking to buy a home.
Ash has been a state employee for twelve years. After college, he began his career working in the state capitol in Sacramento. Ash was one of eighteen candidates selected for the Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program in 1996. He worked for an Assemblyman in the State Capitol for one year. After the Fellowship ended, Ash found a job working with the Department of Social Services, Emergency Food Assistance Program. Ventura Food Share was one of the food banks he was assigned to consult.
“I loved my job and I met a lot of hard working people throughout California. I saw pregnant mothers stand in 110 degree heat in the depths of Fresno County waiting for a Foodlink truck to arrive with food to feed families for a week. It was the summer following a major central California freeze destroyed thousands of acres of citrus and other crops. I stood with my coworkers on the front lines to ensure food was getting to those who were hit the hardest.”
After nearly eleven years living in Sacramento, Ash and Brenda headed back home to Southern California. Ash was raised in Reseda, CA in the San Fernando Valley and Brenda grew up in Simi Valley. They were both missing family and friends and desired to be close to them again.
“In twelve years working in state government I have seen a tremendous amount of waste of taxpayer money and employee morale so bad it was depressing to go to work sometimes. However, I truly believe with the right type of Governor and a Legislature in balance on the checkbook, California can be the envy of all states again. If elected to the Central Committee, I want to dedicate my efforts by standing firmly by candidates that understand how the state government works from the inside. It is only then that they can orchestrate the right kind of legislation to protect the taxpayer from more wasteful spending and unnecessary duplication.”
Ash is seeking one of four seats in Supervisorial District 3 for the Ventura County Republican Central Committee. The district covers Camarillo, Fillmore, Frazier Park, Maricopa, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Somis.