Wendy Halderman

The reason I'm running is simple. The status quo is no longer acceptable. People are fed up with a government that works for itself instead of for the entire community. I refuse to stand by and let our leaders continue to make decisions that benefit the few and slight the many.

We don't have to look far to see the negative effects of less-than-stellar decisions. Broken community trust. Wasted time. Multi-million dollar taxpayer and investor losses. Community bickering. Diminished public safety. Loss of businesses, investments, profitable developments, desirable revenue streams, higher education and libraries. Threat of insolvency due to extravagant spending. A double-whammy of declining income and higher taxes, rates and fees.

It's time to step up and address Ventura's challenges head-on. We must fix the systemic problems that hold our community back, and which ultimately threaten our quality of life. I think I speak for all Venturans when I say we love our community too much to watch it deteriorate.

As a City Council member, I will work diligently to stop the downward spiral. I will work toward a new prosperity for Ventura by promoting wise spending and TRUE "smart growth," aiming to work collaboratively with various community groups and agencies instead of at cross-purposes.

With a combination of expertise in financial services, accounting, economics, arts, marketing, and a solid understanding of both private sector and government organizations, I can help bring about the positive change that Ventura desperately needs.

I am confident we can be successful if we act NOW. This is no time for "business as usual". We have no time to waste.