Dispute on Vote for Mayor Goes to D.A.

Political squabbling over a controversial vote for mayor last month continued, as the City Council has narrowly voted to forward to the Ventura County district attorney’s office allegations the selection process was not conducted properly.

In the same 3-2 vote Tuesday night, the panel also ratified the results of the Dec. 4 vote, in which Councilman Don Johnson was chosen as mayor--an honorary role--and new member Ray Lunaas vice mayor.

Council members Laura Flores Espinosa and John Procter voted against the decision.

In a report to the council, City Atty. Phillip H. Romney agreed with a resident’s complaint that the council violated state laws by not allowing the public to comment before the Dec. 4 vote for mayor.

But Romney concluded the violation was not a misdemeanor, because he said the council did not intend to deprive residents of any public information. He recommended the council ratify its choice for mayor, forward his report to the district attorney’s office and add information to council agendas noting when the public may speak.

Espinosa said the decision ratified an illegal vote and should be changed.

Johnson said he did not feel state laws were violated at the Dec. 4 meeting, because no members of the public had filled out the required cards indicating they wanted to speak on the vote for mayor.

“However, I have to defer to the city attorney,” he said.

Resident Martha Harris, who tried to speak at the Dec. 4 meeting, described the decision as “deplorable,” saying the three council members who voted yes were not listening to the public.

Representatives of the county district attorney’s office would not comment.