Since Art Hernandez is running for re-election to the Ventura County Community College District board of trustees, now is the perfect time to remind the voters about his ethical lapses, so when they cast their vote they are well-informed about his character.
The voters need to be reminded that it was Hernandez who helped draft former Chancellor Phil Westin’s very lucrative employment contract. When Westin’s abuses of his perks came to light, Hernandez persuaded the board to let him go without an investigation and, on top of that, with severance pay in the amount of approximately $600,000. Birds of a feather flock together, it would seem.
Then there are the credit card scandals that have ensnared Hernandez. Several years ago, his county-issued credit card was fraudulently used for the purchase of a diamond ring and bracelet. Several thousand dollars were racked up for this purchase. When this story broke, his defense was that the credit card was stolen, despite the fact that he had not reported this before the episode became public. He has had two such misadventures, both of which were reported in The Star.
What is surprising is that despite lapses, Hernandez has gotten away with them. The question as to why this is the case bears investigation by the powers that be. But now the voters can hold Mr. Hernandez accountable, even though VCCCD and others are unwilling to do so. Adios, Mr. Hernandez!
— Louise Andrade, El Rio
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