Ventura City Council

Candidates: Where They Stand On Homelessness


ALL Candidates, new and incumbant, were invited to "Take The Pledge" and respond to the following:

As a candidate for the Ventura City Council, I pledge to the residents of this community:

1. I will seek opportunities and take actions to end homelessness in the City of Ventura.
2. I will strive to help the City of Ventura implement the 10 Year Strategy to End Homelessness.
3. I will work to encourage other city council members to do the same.

If you're an incumbent in this City Council election, you made this pledge two years ago. Will you again make this pledge? If not, why not?
As a new candidate, will you make this pledge? If not, why not? 

Here's What Your Candidates Have To Say:

Brian Lee Rencher, MBA
"With the exception of myself (I choose to live outdoors) and any other free-minded individuals such as myself, I accept the pledge to assist those that wish to be assisted (not arrested)."

Cheryl Heitmann
"Yes I will take the pledge. Ending homelessness will take all of us working together."

Carl Morehouse
"Yes, I once again firmly pledge to 1,2, and 3."

Melody Joy Baker
"I would take the pledge except the City's 10 year strategy will fail when the City continues to sponsor and pay for ALCOHOLIC EVENTS, such as the recent "BEER FESTIVAL " when alcohol and drugs are the #1 cause of ongoing homelessness. When the City stops these events, I will sign the pledge."

---

PAST DEVELOPMENTS of INTEREST:

On Monday, July 25, 2011, the Ventura City Council voted unanimously in favor of seven staff-recommended 'high priorities' as efforts continue on the 10-Year Strategy To End Homelessness.
To watch this evenings video, click on the Link:

http://cityofventura.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&;clip_id=749

When the Video appears, select the option: "Jump To" and choose #8 to watch the staff presentation, public comments and discussion in its entirety.

Specific times within the video that may be of interest:

2:41:40 Lift Up Your Voice Beth Sutherland addressing City Council requesting "bold leadership"
3:19:09 Mayor Fulton summary
3:20:40 Mayor Fulton on creating a shelter - Ventura's single highest priority

Council Staff Report and Recommendation Link:
http://www.cityofventura.net/files/file/meetings/city_council/07-25-11/item%2008.pdf