I am writing a series of blog posts on who we should be watching in local politics. You can email me with suggestions for other posts or leave it here as a comment. My first post was on Jameson Lingl.

This information was all provided by Kateri Wozny.

Basic biography:

Shawn Mulchay was born and raised in Camarillo. He carries a deep-rooted interest in both small business and politics, which stems from his family who include a line of successful entrepreneurs in the Ventura County area. A son of two working parents Shawn grew up between his grandparents then donut shop, Donna Lee Donuts (now Rolling Pin Donuts), and his Fathers Cabinet shop, California Designers Choice Custom Cabinetry, both of Camarillo.

Mulchay graduated from CSU Channel Islands in 2008 with a bachelor's of science degree in business administration. During the course of his studies, Mulchay was an avid participant in on-campus student organizations, such as the Associated Students Inc., Student Union Planning Committee, Rotaract Club, Student Fee Committee and more. He was also the managing editor of the Channel Islands View Student Newspaper, as well as the founder and editor-in-chief of university's The Nautical Yearbook.

In 2007, he was hand selected by CSU Channel Islands president Richard P. Rush to serve in the prominent and highly respected Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy, where he studied under Leon Panetta, former Director of the CIA and Secretary of Defense. He later completed a 3-month internship in Washington D.C. with the office of Hon. Congressman John Campbell (CA-45).

Following graduation, Mulchay founded and oversaw the acquisition of two separate marketing & advertising firms, Adspectrum and Socialmash Media, and was named as Camarillo's 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year. He's also a Rotaract International Paul Harris Fellow.

What is he doing now:

Upon acquisition of Socialmash Media in 2011, Mulchay was hired by Brendan's Irish Pub & Restaurant Group and soon promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Over the last 2 years Mulchay has overseen the expansion of the Camarillo-based restaurant chain to 3 locations, $7.5 million in annual projected revenue, and approximately 200 employees. They aim to grow to 10 locations by 2015.

Simultaneously, Mulchay is in pursuit of a master's degree in business administration at CSU Channel Islands's prestigious Martin V. School of Business.

Why you should watch him:

At only 27-years-old, Shawn Mulchay may possibly be the youngest, most ambitious aspiring businessman in Ventura County. Shawn has a strong desire to put his business acumen to work for the local community and speaks regularly about the need of government to better support small to mid-sized businesses. Shawn has been outspoken about his desire to see more technology and biotech firms encouraged to set-up shop in Ventura County and the need to create partnerships between local governments and Universities to lay the groundwork.

Shawn has repeatedly hinted at his desire to run for office, confident he can bring bold, fresh, and business-sustaining ideas to Camarillo and borader Ventura County. He carries a strong reputation amongst the local business community and has extensive connections with local community groups, organizations, and individuals. He's proven to be a natural speaker, leader, and has shown the capability to see projects through from conception to success. It's joked that the guy never sleeps.

Connect with him via Facebook - fb.com/shawnmulchay

I am posting a series of entries on local people in politics you should be watching.

Watch: Jameson lingl

Basic biography:

Jameson Lingl grew up in Camarillo. He graduated from where he was an athlete in track, soccer, and football. His high school teacher was Tim Flynn, current mayor of Oxnard. He has remained close with Mayor Flynn. He played soccer in college and was a shotputter.

In 2007, he started working as a community organizer and policy advocate for Progressive Future before transitioning to support the Obama campaign. He went on to community organize and manage campaigns for legislative policy, issue advocacy and elections in 9 different states and statewide in California. Locally, he has worked as a community organizer with labor unions and the Independent Living Resource Center.

What is he doing now:

Jameson is currently living in Indiana where he is doing fundraising for Goshen University. He is also going to be an instructor for a class on community organizing and campaign management.
He is a partner in a progressive consulting firm.

Why you should watch him:

He is planning to move back to Ventura County in the next few years. I expect that when he does he will work full-time in politics. With his experience and skills he will be a formidable field organizer.
I expect that he will run for office. He has a natural charisma that helps with public speaking and encouraging people. His connection to many interest groups will earn him support when he runs.
Connect with him on Facebook .

Who else should we be watching? Post a comment or send me a message with suggestions.

I am posting pictures from the event on Twitter and on my Facebook page for this blog. Connect with me there and see how many of politicians you recognize.

Democratic Congressional candidate David Cruz Thayne has been open that a part of his campaign strategy is to appeal to latino voters. He believes the heritage of his family, speaking Spanish, and understanding being an immigrant will appeal to many voters.

He is a professional tennis coach and has been involved in the creation of a few documentaries. In many of his past professional involvements online he is listed as David Thayne, but in his campaign materials he goes by David Cruz Thayne. Should it matter?

Apparently it does matter to the David Pollock campaign as their latest news release includes two references to David Thayne but not to David Cruz Thayne.

It could be an oversight. In a past blog entry I accidentally didn't use his full name and the campaign sent me a message asking for a correction, which I quickly did.

People go by different names during their lives for many reasons. David Cruz Thayne might have reverted to including Cruz in his name for political reasons.

In a low information crowded primary ballot designations and names might be enough to differentiate the candidates. I wonder what titles each will choose. David Pollock has a claim to being an educator because of his past experience being on a school board. Steve Bennett was a classroom teacher so he could claim educator also. What will David Cruz Thayne choose?

I don't have a preferred candidate at this time. I have spoken to to three of them and they all seem like good people. Time will tell who will be a good Member of Congress.

I haven't done much studying or reading over the proposed prison hospital in Camarillo except a few newspaper articles and some talk radio. But if you want an in-depth resource go to the website for the Prison Hospital Action Committee.

Click here to check out their website.

If you know of other relevant websites please leave a comment with a link.

( What makes more sense? The lyrics to this song or building nicer prisons than schools?)

On my way home from work around 5PM I was listening to Jon and Ken on KFI AM 640 talking about a recent article on the proposal to build prison hospitals including a new facility in Camarillo.

There are a few stunning quotes from the article that will prove to be a major PR challenge for those in favor of building the prison hospitals.

Check these quotes from the article describing some preliminary plans:

-- Workout rooms to "promote wellness," featuring exercise machines and space for "therapeutic activities such as aerobics, yoga, (and) group exercise." Plus handball courts.

-- Outdoor courtyards "where patients will be encouraged to participate in recreational therapy programs such as horticulture."

-- Gymnasiums with a basketball court and a music room, a crafts room, game room and therapy kitchen.

-- Outdoor running tracks.

Looks like the prisoners are going to have better facilities than most public schools!

Is there any public official in Ventura County in favor of the proposal? Do you know anyone in favor of it in your private life?

Click here for archives of the show.

Click here for the article they were discussing.

Is it over? What happens now?

I didn't see the news release that mentioned I was going to moderate the debate. Thanks to both sides for inviting me.

Every election season people complain about their signs being stolen, but few do anything about it. I know this picture is difficult to see but the Unification supporter in Camarillo put their sign on their roof.

Smart thinking.

Keep sending in photos that you want posted.

Thanks again to both sides in Camarillo for having me moderate the debate. Is there any video of it posted yet?

I am going to be moderating a debate about Measure U ( School District Unification ) in Camarillo Thursday night.

The two sides agreed that I would be an impartial moderator and I concur with them. It is tough to get worked up about a school district reorganization debate in a town you don't work or live in.

As part of my preparations I am reading over campaign materials and newspaper reports from both sides of the debate. If you want to help me out with finding relevant information please leave it as a comment on my blog. Please don't email it to me as I want the process to be transparent.

If you live in the area, come out and say hi. After the debate I would like critical feedback to help me improve for future forums or debates. If you want to take video for me to post, leave a comment so I know I have it covered.

I am also looking for a few students from the area to assist me keep time and collect questions. If you aren't connected to either side and want to assist me, leave a comment.

Click on continue reading to see the press release about the debate.

I better be back in time for The Office.

Here are some questions from me to get him started but after that it is up to my readers.

1. Will you seek or accept the support of a political party for your campaign?

2. What do you think about the process to fire a poor performing teacher? Do you think it is too easy, reasonable, or too hard to fire a teacher?

3. Have you attended many school board meetings?

4. Is it a conflict of interest to get the support of teachers since you could be voting on their contract?

5. What local politician do you respect for the work they have done for our community?

What questions do you have about Camarillo schools or related issues?

( To see additional videos about Camarillo Unification click here for or search youtube.com for many more videos.)

The campaign in support of unification is alleging that the campaign to defeat Measure U improperly used the school district email system as part of their efforts to defeat the measure.

To see the press releases, emails, and more click on continue reading.

I do not know the law nor the potential ramifications over the allegations being made, nor do I vouch for the veracity of any of the allegations. I look forward to seeing the DA's response. I have included all of the information that is a part of the press release and and the complaint.

( This is the entrance to the US Department of Education. Any suggestions for other government building?)

I don't live in Camarillo so I don't know how much voters are seeing about the Measure U from either side. Are you getting mail or seeing letters to the editor? Are there signs around town?

Click on continue reading for a press release from the No on Measure U Campaign.