Steve Bennett has ended his campaign for Congress and announced he is running for re-election. His re-election to the Board of Supervisors is complicated by the many candidates that have declared since they thought there was an opening.

As of now there are officially 2 Republicans, 1 decline to state, and 1 Democrat running for that position. As the only Democrat in an area that has a voter registration advantage for Democrats and as an incumbent he has a strong chance of being re-elected.

Here is his official announcement:

Dear Supporter,

Yesterday, I announced the end of my Congressional run and the resumption of my efforts to be re-elected to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.
A variety of reasons were involved in my decision. Ultimately, given the circumstances, I believe I can make more of a difference working for the residents of Ventura County as a County Supervisor should I be fortunate enough to be re-elected.
If you were a financial supporter of my campaign, I will be returning all donations as soon as possible, and my wife and I will be covering all of the campaign expenses.
New candidates are now looking at the race. When this settles down I will communicate to those of you who supported me financially concerning who I believe will give us the best chance to keep Tony Strickland from winning the seat.
Thank you for your support and I will keep in touch.

Steve Bennett
Ventura County Supervisor

P.S. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions by writing to me at stephenbennett@charter.net.

He includes that new candidates are now considering joining the crowded field. Who could those candidates be? Many people have mentioned Rep. Brad Sherman as a candidate. Brad Sherman has officially denied any interest in running for the Ventura County based district. He is currently running against fellow Democrat Rep. Howard Berman.

Brad Sherman would be a formidable candidate. He has a sizable war chest and an effective campaign team. Democrats are strongly motivated to avoid a contested primary between Bard Sherman and Howard Berman. This could be their solution. Brad Sherman previously represented the Conejo Valley in Congress.

How do you think this latest announcement by Steve Bennett changes the election? Who benefits the most?

Tea Party People in Ventura are mad at their city for putting parking meters in parts of their town. They have gathered signatures and it is going on the ballot.

I don't have a strong opinion on the parking meters in Ventura. If the people of Ventura want them or want to remove them that is totally up to them and should be a local issue.

I do think the best time to oppose them was before they were installed. Much of the opposition seems to have developed after the city paid for them and they were operating.

The arguments from both sides seem simple enough.

Opponents argue parking meters are another form of taxation and hurt local businesses as customers are less likely to shop when they have to pay for parking.

Supporters argue it helps businesses because there is more available parking when people limit how long they park for and the parking meters help fund law enforcement.

Both have decent arguments.

But some people have to bring in extremes to make their case. Local Tea Party people are bringing up the United Nations and Agenda 21.

The video above brings up phrases that are suspect including "Green" , "Infill", and "Sustainable" that supporters of Agenda 21 are trying to use to control us. I call the use of words like sustainable and infill good planning.

In related Agenda 21 versus Tea Party People in Florida are protesting against protections for Manatees because they believe it is a part of a global UN conspiracy to control our lives.

I believe it is to protect Manatees. Maybe if the harbors Manatees and people shared just had parking meters the United Nations plot would be complete!

This is the third entry in my new feature Brian Dennert Has Questions. I am asking questions of elected officials, staff members, and activists. Sometimes the questions will seem odd but I am trying to ask questions that they don't normally get asked that will reveal more about their approach to government.

This time I have questions for Ventura City Manager Rick Cole. The Ventura City Manager has a great blog and shares his thoughts on Facebook also. Regardless if you are a supporter of Rick Cole we should agree he is accessible.

City Manager Rick Cole:

Where have you traveled domestically and internationally that has influenced your views on local government, planning, and transportation. Can you share with us a few examples. Feel free to send me a picture to post.

You can post your answer here or send it to me to post.

Thanks,

Brian Dennert

Until Rick Cole answers all other comments will be deleted to keep this entry on topic.

I publish guest blog entries from my readers. Here is the latest on the Ventura County Tea Party's opposition to parking meters:

(Photo Credit: Joseph A Garcia, VCStar -- http://www.vcstar.com/photos/2010/sep/04/106020/)

Nobody goes there any more. It's too crowded - Yogi Berra

Is there a better way to sum up the parking meters in Downtown Ventura ("Parking Meter Opponents Change Measure Language", 3 Mar 2011)?
The so-called "Tea Party Activist" Carla Bonney says they are symbolic of too much government intrusion. And downtown merchant Gary Parker is apparently whining because he lost his free parking spot in front of his place of business.

Boo hoo.

As far as I can tell, the pay parking spots are frequently used. Isn't that the free market speaking, Ms. Bonney? And though there were some initial difficulties with the meters, they're easier to use than an ATM machine. We had friends from Orange County visit recently who were quite impressed at the convenience of adding time from any meter and the bargain price of parking in a bustling downtown steps from the beach. Moreover, I've rarely had a problem finding free parking. On other days, my family and I jump on a bike and cruise to downtown - there are plenty of ways to get there safely from just about anywhere in Ventura. We find that when we take the bikes, we end up spending more time and money patronizing the shops.

If folks have a problem paying for parking, ride a bike or use one of the free lots. Yes, both are less convenient (you get what you pay for) but the alternatives also yield some exercise and possibly some extra time in downtown. Everybody wins.

The money has already been spent for the meters and the program will eventually fund itself.

Now, can we focus on something of real importance, like funding our libraries and fire department or bringing more jobs to the City?

John Buccola is a Ventura resident

National and Statewide campaigns frequently have post election panel sessions to discuss the results and to share insider stories. I look forward to this tradition being extended to Ventura County politics. It would be great if video of the event is later posted online.

Here is the announcement from some local Democrats:

Ventura County Campaign 2010 Forum: What worked and didn't
Thursday December 9, 2010, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

We invite you to come hear from campaign experts and candidates about the results of the local election in Ventura County, learn about all the facets of the California Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign, discuss the campaign techniques that worked and didn't, and begin the planning for the 2012 election. If you volunteered during the 2010 election cycle, your attendance at this event and input is important.

This event is sponsored by the Democratic Campaign Council of Ventura County and is open to registered Democrats only. It is free of charge, though we are always happy to accept donations. Snacks and beverages will be served.

For information, call the Democratic Campaign Council of Ventura County or email Brian Leshon at BLeshon@VenturaCountyDemocrats.com.

What will be covered:

* Ventura County Election Results
* Ventura County Election Analysis
* California Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign
* Volunteer Input

Speakers:

* Brian Leshon, moderator
* David Atkins, Ferial Masry Campaign and Ventura County results
* Timm Herdt, journalist, Ventura County results
* Sandra Kinsler, CDP Coordinated Campaign overview
* Tom Mullens, candidate

The Ventura County Democrats Labor Day Picnic event is coming up again and this is a reminder that any Democratic candidate can get a free table to put out materials and to talk to activists at the event.

Click on continue reading for details.

The event is open to the public and candidate for nonpartisan positions are welcome to attend. Last year Geoff Dean went and spoke to the crowd. Click here to see my coverage of last year's event. This year I wonder if Republican Bob Huber, who has endorsed by many labor unions and Democratic leaders will attend, or if Republican Steve Sojka will use the opportunity to show he plans to be a bipartisan leader. They are the only two candidates running for mayor of Simi Valley. It would be great to see the candidates for Treasurer Tax Collector, Republican Steven Hintz and Republican Don Facciano, out there too.

Are you going?

Update: I deleted some comments because they were growing more and more personal. Please don't post personal charges that can't be verified by readers.

Update: The interview is over but David Atkins is answering questions in the comments section. I bumped this entry up for those that want to keep following the comments easier.

David Atkins is running to be the head of the Ventura County Democratic Party. I am interviewing him tonight on his vision for the committee, his background, and his plan for Democrats to win more seats locally.

David Atkins is a prominent blogger on Daily Kos, a very influential progressive blog. You can read through some of his posts by clicking here. He also debated Mike Gibson before on my blog on the topic if America is a conservative or liberal nation. Click here for that debate.

The interview starts at 7PM. Email me any questions you think should be asked.

Thanks to Democratic Party activist Sharon Hillbrant for allowing me to post her photos of the event.

Candidate for Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean quickly helps candidate for the Democratic nomination for 35th State Assembly District Susan Jordan hang her sign. Dean is a Republican but is trying to earn votes from across our community. Warren Harwood, candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 37th Assembly district. is in the background. He doesn't have a website or any online presence that I can find.

Tonight I am interviewing Monique Dollone, who is running for a position on the school board for the city of Ventura.

I am going to be asking her questions about her campaign, charter schools, accountability, and more.

This entry is just for this interview between us two.

If you have suggestions, comments, or criticisms use the entry below this post.

To read the interview click on continue reading.

Also, I am now using Twitter.com to cover local politics. Go to twitter.com/dennert or click on Twitter on the right hand side of this blog for my latest tweets.

Thanks for reading my blog.

UPDATE:

UPDATE: Here is a statement directly from Monique Dollonne:

For clarification: Monique Dollonne never said she was endorsed by Marcos Vargas or CAUSE. Marcos Vargas' name was listed under her supporters' list. Marcos Vargas, as an individual has supported her financially and morally in her previous campaign and has committed to support her financially in her current campaign as an individual and not as a CAUSE representative. She never sought an endorsement from CAUSE as an organization since CAUSE has never supported the fight for equity and justice in education for the children of Ventura , which is what Monique is all about. She believes all our children can learn and should all have access to the best education our American system could and should provide. All her supporters care about the children first! They have the courage to stand up to the broken system, step out of the delusional bubble created by the bureaucracy and make a change for the benefit of all our children!

Dear Ventura Voters,

What is it with the clover that two candidates for office are using them on their signs? Do your other candidates also have lucky charms? Are Irish-Americans a key constituency in your town? Is Mike Gibson trying to get some Monahan Magic?

Thanks,

Brian Dennert

PS. I will post a statement from any candidate that wants to explain their use of the clover on the front page of this blog.

Mike Gibson is among the early candidates to have their signs up for the November Ventura City elections and is said to have the most up so far. He sent in the above photo and the following message:

This is to formally announce my candidacy for Ventura City Council for the November 3, 2009 election. I filed my nomination papers with the City Clerk's Office today. I thought you might be interested in posting the announcement on your blog. Please find more information on my background, experience, education, platform, position on the issues, etc. on my campaign Web site: mikegibsonforcitycouncil.com. Thanks and let me know if you need any additional information on my campaign. Thanks.

I have been critical of Mike Gibson on many occasions but the fact that he keeps sending me stuff to post shows he doesn't back down. Mike, let me know what Thursday you want me to interview you.

Click here for his website.

Click here for Mike Gibson's announcement from the last campaign.

Click here to read the debate he had with progressive blogger David Atkins on if America is a center right nation.

I will be posting this poll on every entry I write discussing the Ventura City Council elections.

Click on the appropriate button below to share this entry on a social network like Facebook.

Note: I bumped this to the top of my blog because this is the biggest annual Democratic event.

UPDATE: State Senator Fran Pavley, recently back from meeting with President Barack Obama, will be attending. Here is a photo of her meeting President Barack Obama:

Fran Pavley pushed through legislation that would have allowed California to set a different standard for new vehicles. Under President George W. Bush the EPA didn't allow the legislation to go into effect. But President Obama brought together environmentalists and automanufacturers together to agree on some changes that create higher federal standards. Her legislation started here in California but will be going into effect across the nation.

Click here for an article from Michael Collins explaining this in more detail.

The Ventura County Democratic Central Committee holds an annual Spring Fling Party to raise money for their organization and to have a good time. This event is great for aspiring candidates to meet with activists, get a quick introduction, and practice their stump speech.

There is room set out for those that want to put up a table to support their causes and candidates.

To purchase tickets, reserve space for a table, or to make sure your candidate is introduced click on continue reading for the contact information for the committee putting on the event.

This year they are also inviting all of the Democratic candidates for attorney general to speak. There will be opportunities to meet the candidates, ask them questions, and sign up to help their campaigns. I haven't yet confirmed the list of Attorney General candidates that will be there.

Candidates or elected officials I expect to be there ( beyond the attorney general candidates):

House of Representatives CA 24 ( Currently Gallegly)

Confirmed with me that they are attending:

Shawn Stern (Officially declared)
Marie Panec ( Possible candidate)
Tim Allison ( Possible candidate)

Haven't heard if she is attending:

Marta Jorgenson ( Officially declared)

Democrat Shawn Stern has a great looking website put together. I am sure more policy positions and future events will be posted in the coming months. He does know a way to drive up his google rank and to catch my attention is to post a link to this blog.

Shawn, thanks for the link on your website. Here is a return favor:

State Assembly 35th District ( Currently Pedro Nava)

Confirmed by me that they are attending:

Susan Jordan
"Absolutely. Wouldn't miss it for the world!"

Das Williams
"organizing and participating with the local Democratic Party is the best way to move forward a progressive agenda."

Others:

Ventura City Council Member Ed Summers

Any other candidates that you have heard will be attending?