Candidates' Answers to Question #6

6. Would the protection of the Ventura River benefit the City of Ventura? If so, how?

Bill Fulton: The protection of the river itself and the floodplain around it would benefit the city in many ways. I favor working with the Trust for Public Land to implement the Ventura River Parkway, which would acquire much of the land on either side of the river for ecological restoration and recreational use.

Doug Halter: Absolutely! The Ventura River is one of the last true natural rivers and we need to continue to put pressure on our State and Federal government to remove the Matilija dam. Pursuing the restoration and preservation of the Ventura River would, once again help highlight the values in our community; the environmental awareness and it will help keep our beaches less polluted.

Christy Weir: It is vital that we preserve and enhance what makes Ventura uniquely beautiful—our beaches, hillsides and the two rivers that border our town.
The creation of a Ventura River Parkway is a way to protect, enhance and increase access to the Ventura River for the public to enjoy.

Carroll Dean Williams: Yes. A breach in the river north of Ventura will cause the Westend to flood.

Mike Gibson: Yes, I believe the protection of the Ventura River would benefit the City of Ventura because the river is inextricably linked to the City's ecology and provides a connectivity of the hillsides with the ocean. It's relationship and functionality with the beach, the ocean, and the hillsides as an important tributary on the west side of the City boundaries in unquestionable. I think the riverbank also has some value to the community as a hiking and recreational area provided people feel safe and unthreatened in this area. I think the Ventura River has the potential to become far more utilized for outdoor activities, but, quite frankly, there would have to be some focus on cleaning up the homeless encampments currently located in the river bottom in order for this to happen successfully.

Carl Morehouse: Absolutely. I was involved with the initial discussions for the development of Ventura River Park and the potential acquisition of lands along the river to create such a venue. I provided guidance to Marc Landgraf of the Trust for Public Land regarding the stakeholders to include and where the pitfalls might be encountered. I am excited about such a concept because it can help with the restoration of the river’s ecosystem, and provide a wonderful recreational opportunity to both our residents and visitors.

Jerry D. Martin: The protection of the Ventura River is important to the city for its clean waters, fisheries and clean open space. The protection of the river is mandatory for Ventura, our ocean and our beaches.

Lou Cunningham: The Ventura River is a vital part of our eco system and needs to be preserved at all cost. This area is home to many forms of wild life and plants. As a city council person I would do all that I could to protect this area.

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