The forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Ventura County and the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, also featured a presentation of Measure F, the proposed 1 percent sales tax to benefit public safety and roads.
All candidates vying for council seats - two term incumbents Ralph Fernandez and Bob Gonzales, former Councilman John Procter and newcomers Jenny Crosswhite, John Demers and Ginger Gherardi - appeared at the forum. There are three spots open on the panel as Rick Cook, who had served two terms on the council and after a hiatus was elected again, has declined to seek another term.
If passed by at least two-thirds of voters in the November 4 General Election Measure F would raise approximately $1.6 million annually to be split between police (50 percent, a projected $800,000), fire and roads (each receiving a 25 percent cut, $400,000 each).
