Fifth District Supervisor John C. Zaragoza
Dear Editor:
As 2011 comes to a close one cannot help reflecting on the past while looking ahead to the future. For me, as I enter my fourth year on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, I feel very grateful. My staff works very well together and all of us have received the full support of county staff since day one. The professional relationship I share with my colleagues on the board could not be better. If we disagree, we agree to disagree respectfully, and then move forward for the good of the county.
When I was first elected, a reporter asked me what cause or issue I would be championing as a member of the Board of Supervisors. I told him my goal was to develop partnerships throughout the district so we could accomplish what was important to the residents and businesses. I feel thankful for the positive results these partnerships have produced. Nyeland Acres now has a community center, McGrath State Park will now stay open and our residents are better informed after attending town hall meetings on green jobs, mortgage fraud and a bilingual senior summit. The children of military families enjoy a compact with other states so they are not penalized when moving from one school district to another.
Working with nonprofits we have improved neighborhoods, helped feed people and provided children with Christmas toys. The Board of Supervisors completed the required redistricting in a very short time with minimal cost to the taxpayers and made operational changes that have saved money and balanced the budget.
Ventura County is in much better shape than most counties. Additionally, every day we are able help many individuals with their concerns and issues in a satisfactory manner.
As I look to the future, I am confident that our collective efforts will ensure continued success as we work together to enhance our standard of living and keep us safe. Next year I am committed to carrying forward the spirit of cooperation for the benefit of the entire county, hopefully serving as chair of the board.
I offer my best wishes for a prosperous and happy New Year and hope the men and women serving our country in far-off lands return home safely.
Sincerely,
John C. Zaragoza
Ventura County Supervisor
Fifth District