Steven Hintz led the seven candidates running for treasurer-tax collector, but because nobody finished with more than 50 percent a runoff is scheduled for the November election.
Hintz finished with about 23 percent of the vote, and runner up Don Facciano--now Hintz's only opponent--had 18 percent.
Republican candidate Jeff Walker, who garnered 17 percent, just threw his support behind Hintz. Hintz posted this on his Facebook page:
Today's great news is that JEFF WALKER of Camarillo has endorsed me. Jeff brings supporters with him who wanted vigorous young-minded leadership and sound financial experience. Jeff had great ideas for bringing the TTC into the 21st century. He was very close to making the runoff. I WELCOME HIS SUPPORT.
Walker wrote, "You are the best candidate to provide stability to the office and use technology to bring it to 21st century standards. I'm proud to support your campaign."
In a post on Walker's blog, he wrote that Hintz is better equipped to transition the treasurer tax-collector position into the digital world. He said that mailing a paper tax bill runs about $2, while emailing it is obviously free.
The choice between Hintz and Walker was a tough one for conservatives. Walker is a business owner and accountant, while Hintz was a no-nonsense judge.
But conservatives aren't the only voters attracted to Hintz. Rumor has it that Democrat Warren Harwood, another former treasurer candidate, will endorse Hintz.
Eric Ingemunson's commentary has been featured on Hannity, CNN, NBC, Inside Edition, and KFI's The John and Ken Show.
Eric was born and raised in Ventura County and currently resides in Moorpark. He earned a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University. As a conservative, Eric supports smaller government, less taxation, more individual freedom, the rule of law, and a strict adherence to the Constitution.
Both surviving candidates should have stayed in retirement. Both long past their prime.
Steven Hintz has support from both conservatives, liberals and middle of the road types. And Jeff Walker has alot of great ideas for the office. I'm glad Steve is listening to Jeff and has his support. It is truly a win-win combination for the community.
Speaking as an individual and not as an official spokesperson:
Judge Hintz was among several candidates interviewed by our Region of SEIU 721. We represent employees of various public jurisdictions in the Counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. It was the unanimous decision of our Political Action Committee to endorse Judge Hintz. We did so without reservation.
We felt his record was excellent and he discussed issues with us fairly and we believe, quite honesty, even when we did not fully agree.
We realized such an endorsement would seem unexpected but we believe Judge Hintz is amply qualified and would be an excellent Treasurer when elected.
Tom:
Congratulations to both Judge Hintz for earning the endorsement, and SEIU 721 for having the political courage and governance wisdom to endorse him.
My family and I have known Judge Hintz for decades, in particular through joint participation in Boy Scouts of America Camporees, outings and public service projects, including annual Scouting for Food walks involving many miles and years.
Judge Hintz has always been willing, ready and able to assist many Scouts reach for and attain the coveted rank of Eagle, and he has devoted countless hours of voluntary service as a Scout leader, counselor and mentor.
He will, no doubt, provide superior public service to the citizens and taxpayers of Ventura County as our next County Treasurer.
Finally Tom, purely as a matter of political sporting interest, and under the heading of politics makes strange bedfellows, whom do you think will be more unnerved by SEIU's endorsement of Judge Hintz?
The Strickland, Osborn, Club-for-Growth right-wing of the local VCRCC?
Or the VCDCC's very own Atkins, Conoly, Kinsler, Leshon vanguard of the Democratic, socialist left?
As the old Chinese proverb reminds us, "..may you live in interesting times.."
NostraDemus