City Council — City of Simi Valley

My background is with computers, as well as a small business owner. I have experience in programming. system administration and hardware repair. This gives me experience in troubleshooting and determining what the real problem is, not just symptoms. I have also been a FFL (firearms dealer) since 1993, which the required paperwork requires an attention to detail to ensure that everything is correct.

I am a Ham radio operator and volunteer for emergency communications. I see the need for a real CERT (Community Emergency Reponse Team, not just training) in Simi Valley with monthly meetings for continued educate and to keep people involved.

People need to understand the role of government. It is not about what you can get out of the government. Far too often people think that the government should do far more than is intended.

I am not accepting campaign donations because it creates conflicts of interest, as has been shown in the past, even though they claim it is not a conflict of interest. It should be easy for people to see what the donation are, especially as topics are brought up for discussion.

Those elected are supposed to represent you, the residents of the City, yet if you look at it that does not seem to be the case. You can speak before the Council and be actively ignored for 3 minutes, but you can not demand answers to your questions. That needs to change. As a candidate I can ask questions of the City and get answers, so why not you?

 

About Victoria Catherine Wright

I was born in Southern California on September 16, 1964 to Catherine Marie Wright and Victor O. Wright. I am the only child, which, of course, means that I was somewhat overindulged.

This fact made it harder on everyone when it became clear that I am a rebel.

My father, who met, dated and married my mom in Los Angeles, was a war veteran, so he was able to apply for a GI home loan. Victor Wright wanted a safe place for his family, so when he heard about a new Southern Californian suburb called Santa Susana, he brought my mom out for a look.

The only way in and out was a road through a mountain pass but my parents fell in love with what is now Simi Valley when they saw the community.

My earliest memories are of my parents talking about politics. Back then, a major issue was a merger of Simi Valley with Santa Susana and, in 1969, the towns became Simi Valley.

I grew up studying local government in school (I was the only student to know every council member's name), which my mother encouraged because she was campaigning for city council. She lost a few times, which taught me about how to lose with grace, perseverance and dignity.

My mom, Cathie Wright, would run and run again until she won, which she did.

Eventually, I watched her career as she sought to introduce local youth activities and foster business growth in Simi Valley. I saw her go from serving on city council to serving as mayor of Simi Valley. I was still a kid when Cathie Wright was elected to the California Assembly. I was with her, too, when she finished her career in the legislature as a state senator.

Seeing my mom serve the city, region and state with dedication, distinction and honor gave me an example of working hard to get things right. My mother sought and won the Republican Party's nomination for lieutenant governor, a race she lost to Democrat Gray Davis, who was later recalled as the state's governor.

My mom's race for lieutenant governor taught me the toll politics takes on a person and the recall reminded me that ultimately the elected official is accountable to the consent of the governed, which in a republic, which is also a democracy, means the individual voter.

As the child of a prominent politician, I rebelled. I made certain mistakes. It would take years to appreciate my mother's work. I watched her work. I made amends. Slowly, I started to learn.

I decided that I wanted to graduate from high school early, which I did in 1981. I went to work for a family-owned grocery business called Vons, working as a box girl, bagging groceries and pushing shopping carts until I was promoted to a job in health and beauty. After that, I earned a promotion to cashier. I became a scan coordinator and was put in charge of pricing, signage, weights and measurements, and making sure that advertised items matched the advertising.

I was being trained for management when I had an accident that changed my life.

I worked for Vons for 21 years. I learned a lot while watching people shop, browse, buy, clip coupons, use government food programs and struggle to pay for food, groceries and items to feed the family, make them feel good and pursue happiness. Grocery work is hard and I learned about a range of human behavior in food, business and trade. I am proud of my grocery work.

After a brief marriage in 1996, I give birth to my first and only child, my beautiful daughter Marissa. After she was born, my husband left me. We divorced the following year.

In the meantime, the accident left me disabled with a back injury, Lupus and kidney disease.

But going on disability at least enabled me to raise my daughter and help take care of my aging mom, who died in 2012. By then, I had enrolled in studies for a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice, which I obtained. So, I think I've worked hard, lived a full life as a wife, daughter, mother, adult student and entry-level worker who rose to management. I overcame my past as the troubled child of a politician, so I better appreciate my mother's work and statesmanship.

Facing hardship and many of the same problems faced by the individual in today's middle class, I want to apply what I've learned to city government in Simi Valley. I pledge to work hard to restore the bright confidence of Simi Valley's early days.

I know I have a lot to learn. But the Simi Valley voter should know that no one is more committed than me to protecting Simi Valley's place as a shining city on a hill, whether that means being a rebel against the status quo, working with others or refusing to compromise on principle. I have experience and a grasp of local history. I know what it's like to be in pain.

I want to earn your vote for Simi Valley City Council, get to work and protect your right to life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness.

 

My political philosophy is the one I was taught throughout my life growing up, by my mother.  I saw first hand what she was all about, helping others in our community and reaching out to the other side.  I may be a Republican, but I am more of what I believe will be the next generation of the GOP. 

 I believe when you are elected to any office you are to listen to those who might have a different opinion on a subject with an open mind, as one never knows everything, so you must really listen.  As an elected official you are to work hard for the city, by going out to the big businesses in other cities and get them to come to Simi to do their business.  The one thing we need is our leader to lead by example.  I did not spend any money except for my website out side of Simi Valley.

It is your job to make hard decisions, but when making them one must look into the future to see how it will impact the city five years out, ten years out, and up to twenty years out.  Everything that a city council is planning will turn our city into something we will not recognize in twenty years.

I believe in the individuals rights as give to all of us, and in a country like ours we need to reach out to help those who do not have enough food or a place to live.  Our local government could do more for the people and still save money on the city budget.

I believe I learned from the best, as nothing in government is just one way, it needs to be a balance of what everyone wants.  Meeting in a middle ground is not a bad thing it is what this country is about.

 

About Thomas Hartfield

Born in Southern California and raised with two siblings, Thomas Hartfield learned early on the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. He attended Moorpark College, all the while working a part-time job at Lumber City. This is where his father James began his career as a stock boy in the 60's, moved up the ranks to store manager and ultimately retired as regional manager. His mother Linda Sue was a modern woman of the times - a traditional homemaker, as well as a business manager and community volunteer. 

 

A solid work ethic is instilled in the Hartfield family.

 

They are third generation Simi Valley residents, his parents Sue and Jim created a life here together. Tom has lived in our city for 45 years, he was raised here, his children grew up here and it has been good to them. Tom's heart is in Simi Valley and he cares deeply about its future.

 

 

 

Thomas' academic achievements and leadership abilities earned him Assistant Vice President at a prestigious downtown Los Angeles investment firm, however the local community atmoshpere and personal one-on-one element was missing. He spent the next two decades building a small business right here in Simi Valley, helping residents plan for their financial future.

 

In addition to volunteering as coach and director for Grace Brethren Youth Sports and coach for i9Sports. For nearly 10 years he has served as a Board Director and VP Resource Development for the Boys and Girls Club to support the children of our community and instituted the first endowment and co-chairing the Annual Auction Fundraiser.

 

He has served as an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and currently is Vice President for his HOA. Past roles include Vice Chairperson of Independent Citizens Oversight Committee overseeing disbursement of C4 bond initiative funds passed by Ventura County voters for our public schools and Vice Chair Neighborhood Council. He is also a proud graduate of Leadership Simi Valley.

 

Today, Thomas wants to serve as your voice on City Hall. A voice that echoes your concerns. A voice that matters. A voice that cares.

ECONOMIC VITALITY

Commerce is the backbone of our country and the City would benefit from streamlining bureaucracy.  Reducing overtaxing and over regulating will make it easier for small businesses to thrive, creating more local jobs for our residents and bringing more employers to Simi Valley.

 

As a 25-year veteran of the financial industry I am well informed with the economic challenges facing our local economy. With this experience, I’m well positioned to be a good steward of city funds and a responsible candidate, focused on the fiscal well-being of our community.

 

EDUCATION 

Education is the cornerstone of our society and the key to our future. Every child deserves an education, but unfortunately school budgets are continuously chipped away and classes eliminated. 

Funding for schools needs to improve, with teachers and students being provided with the vital resources they need to both teach and learn. This is why I support Measure X – an initiative that will allocate funds to our local schools.

 

And my insights as a college investment specialist, has alerted me to the impending burden of hefty student debt that will financially impact future generations of both parents and graduates. I strongly believe we should be more proactive in funding solutions at both the State and local level. I support reform on this issue. 

 

PUBLIC SAFETY 

The SVPD does a terrific job protecting this community. In order to support their efforts and bolster public safety in these unsettling times, my hope is to expand and reinvigorate our Neighborhood Watch campaign. A program that encourages local vigilance and discourages crime will strengthen our community cohesiveness.

 

 

With law enforcement and residents working hand in hand, Simi Valley will continue to be one of America’s safest places to live, work and raise a family.

 

 

As your Council member, I'll work to achieve a sustainable budget, preserve and improve the safety and quality of life in our city. I intend to provide strong leadership and establish policies and programs that ensure Simi Valley will continue to be the best place to live and work for generations to come. I would be honored to have your vote.

I have lived in Simi Valley my entire life. My family is from Simi Valley, my wife Jamie and her family are from Simi Valley. My three sisters live in Simi Valley and most of my friends live in Simi Valley. This is my Home. My parents instilled in me at a young age that family is very important. Growing up in Simi Valley I remember going to the drive-in, going to the fishing derby at Rancho Park, attending the old boys and girls club. I went to Sycamore elementary school then junior high at Sequoia, the last year it was Sequoia before it changed to a high school. I was the last class president there at Sequoia. I then went off to Simi Valley High School and lettered in Leadership, Varsity Wrestling, Varsity football and drama as well as class president. I've played sports my whole life and believe sports are a great tool to help build character and keep kids social and away from drugs. I was in Little League, played ice hockey, roller hockey and soccer to name a few sports for years.  At the same time growing up I wanted to be a child actor and booked my first job at age four and have been working ever since. I was able to handle the pressures of going on interviews in Hollywood, playing sports, going to school, and being a kid and still excelling in school. After high school I went onto Moorpark junior college and obtained my Associates degree in liberal arts. I then transferred to California State college Northridge (CSUN) and graduated with a degree in political science.

Since college I have worked my way around starting my own limousine company while also working for my father and his 40-year-old business of selling airplanes. I then went on to work for CBS's hit show Entertainment Tonight and The Insider handling legal media licensing and copyright issues for the show. I went on to handling more of the legal work at Bank of America for the past 5 1/2 years in their legal department handling litigation complaints on default mortgages concerning foreclosures and bankruptcies.   I've been around people studying government dealing with attorneys, legal documents, making contracts and negotiations and helping people with their disputes my whole life while at the same time entertaining. I would be a great fit for City Council. I could utilize my analytical skills along with my younger perspective to help continue to shape this great city. I'm really in tune with the pulse of the younger perception of the city as well as an older perception and would give a great diverse vote on the council. I think there are ways we can use technology to get more people involved and continue to make this city better than it already is. But all this can't happen unless we bring in revenue...so how do we do it? There are lots of ways to do it such as fixing the mall situation, stop businesses from cannibalizing each other, bringing in major motion film studios to film here which could potentially bring in a lot of revenue. Maybe we can create revenue and at the same time help the younger generations find something to do. Let's get our kids off the streets, off of the drugs and out of trouble! This city was once known as the safest city, lets strive to earn that title back! We have the space, let's build parks where kids can actually go to ride their bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades. Lets utilize the space up in the hills to build a track for kids to ride on. Let's give these kids something to do.     So what do you really want out of a city councilmember? I am somebody that is connected to a lot of people in town and that has a level head and thinks forward. I'm not here to just put out the fire today I'm here to prevent the fire from happening tomorrow. As a parent I want my kids to be safe and have opportunity and do what I can now for future generations. I've had a great run in Simi Valley so far and I want to give back, I want to be your voice to help others. Simi Strong is an idea where we all come together and we help make this city strong! We are not going to let drugs, crime, layoffs, and businesses closing get us down we are going to find a solution and stand together.

A NEW FACE, A FRESH START - FAITH, FAMILY, FREEDOM

* * * * SIMI STRONG! * * * *

 

 

My name is T.J. McInturff and I want to be your next Simi Valley City Council Member. I was formerly a Litigation Specialist for Bank of America for the past five years. Prior to that I worked for CBS on the show Entertainment Tonight licensing deals for media. Currently I am featured in a new show airing on Lifetime Television this November titled "Little Weddings", which is a new show on my entire family. My wife Jamie, and I and our families have lived in Simi Valley just about three generations going on four and have enjoyed every minute of it. We have two children and we are expecting our third child early next year and we are excited to continue to raise our children in this fine city.

I want to be your representative, your voice and help this great city become even stronger than it is. "Simi Strong" is my motto, if we come together we can accomplish anything. My qualifications are as follows: I have a degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). I have studied law, city planning, and urban development.  In my professional career I have worked daily alongside attorneys, dealing with litigation, contracts, and negotiations. I have strived to be the best husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend I can each and every day. My family and I attend Rocky Peak Church regularly and my faith is important to me. I stand for dedication, family and honor. I live my life by true conservative values. I support our Constitution and believe in what it stands for.

I stand by and support our Police Officers, our Firefighters, our teachers and will strive to make safety and education the priority in this city. Our city has the potential to be the best city in all of California. By voting for me on election day, you are voting for a person who will get things done, a person who is dedicated to this city, a person who is honest, trustworthy, and knows what it takes to be a true leader. I offer a younger more fresh perspective, tech savvy, strong analytical approach, with fresh new ideas. I want to stop the business cannibalism that I have seen lately. Bring in new revenue and work towards preparing this city for the future by becoming more green and energy efficient, adding charging stations to promote electric cars, and building on our reputation as safe, but also attractive for local businesses and people by being a smart city with increasing more free wifi spots, apps for the city and urban innovation. 

On Election Day vote the right choice. Vote for Timothy (T.J.) McInturff for Simi Valley City Council!

T.J. McInturff

When I moved to Simi Valley in 2009, I was attracted by the many things that make our City such a great place to live: open spaces, clean streets, clean air, and a warm, welcoming community. I moved here as a single man, and today am blessed to be here raising our young son with my wife Stella.

Since 2007, I’ve served the Los Angeles City Council as a policy and financial analyst, advising the Council on multimillion dollar housing, community beautification, homeless prevention, community services, and economic development projects. My core belief is that the government’s money is your money, the government merely holds it in trust for the benefit of its citizens. In my work reviewing and making recommendations on a large number of government programs, I’ve come across my fair share of inefficiencies and waste. I’m not afraid to question the status quo, and have sought and been successful at creating real change and saving taxpayer money. For example, I helped save Los Angeles taxpayers $13 million in mis-allocated funds. It is this kind of passion to create a more accountable government that I would bring to Simi Valley.

My passion for public service doesn’t stop with my day job. Right here at home, I’ve volunteered my time on both the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (ICOC), which serves as a watchdog over the spending of the 2004 school bond, and the Arts Commission, which provides oversight of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and promotes arts in our community. Music is my other passion, and I play the trombone both at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and in groups around Ventura County.

I invite you to explore my website, and learn about my vision for Simi Valley, and what I think your City government should do for you. I’m always looking for volunteers to help get the word out, so if you’d like to lend a hand, please contact me. Getting my message out to the entire city is a big task, so any contributions, big or small, make a huge difference. If you would like to contact me with questions, comments, or just to say hi, feel free to send me an e-mail.

Together we can make Simi Valley a better place to live.

Clay McCarter

mccarterforcitycouncil@gmail.com