Mayor Hernandez formally announces candidacy for District 3 Supervisor
March 18, 2016
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula’s Mayor made the formal announcement that he has entered the race for Supervisor at a press conference last week where Martin Hernandez told a crowd of supporters he has what it takes to get the job done.
And that includes making sure the interests of the Santa Clara River Valley communities of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru are also met in the large 3rd District that includes Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Lockwood Valley and portions of Oxnard and Naval Base Ventura County.
Hernandez, a Ventura County native, is chief of staff for 3rd District Supervisor Kathy Long, who is retiring.
Pamela Fuller of Santa Paula was on hand with a Martin for Supervisor sign, noting her support stems from her personal admiration of the candidate’s “integrity…I know he has experience and relationships already formed,” throughout the county.
And, she added, “We need a Supervisor who will represent the interests of Santa Paula…”
Richard Rudman agreed noting, “I’m out here supporting the home team,” among a crowd that also included various county officials as well as Supervisor John Zaragoza who has endorsed Hernandez.
“Martin,” Zaragoza told the crowd “will hit the ground running...”
Laura Hernandez, the retired assistant director of Ventura County Emergency Services, introduced notables in the crowd including Port Hueneme Councilman Jim Hensley and Fillmore Councilman Manuel Minjares.
Hernandez said she worked closely with the candidate and not only shares his commitments but also admires his “proven record of service…”
Santa Paula Councilman John Procter said he admires “My brother from another mother,” who has demonstrated sensitivity and spirituality through various positions in public service.
“Martin has a sense of fairness and treats a farmworker the way he treats a congressman, with the same dignity and integrity…”
Speaking as a private citizen Santa Paula Police Chief Steve McLean said Hernandez possesses experience in leadership but remains a humble man.
“Public service is not only what he does,” said McLean, “but what he is…”
Fillmore Mayor Pro Tem Carrie Broggie said when she was elected to the council “I learned early on that if Fillmore had a need,” or there was an issue involving the county “I went to Martin…”
Other speakers included Rob Roy, president and general counsel of the Ventura County Agricultural Commission who noted that if elected Martin would not be a “mouthpiece to any party or special interest…”
“This is about us, not me but us,” said Hernandez, who noted he is an Air Force veteran who “signed on the dotted line to give all to my country…”
Programs he has promoted, such as the free Tattoo Removal Clinic, demonstrates that “one thing all deserve is dignity and respect” from their elected officials.
“One of my dreams is to bring unions into the jails,” so those released can find well-paying jobs starting as apprentices, which Martin said would help close the revolving door of crime and incarceration.
“I can work with the powerful and the powerless and there isn’t one thing I wouldn’t do for you…all I ask of you is that you ask.”
Martin said all must “do our best” to help those in need beyond the minimum to give them strength and hope.
And he ended his remarks by noting “I am very proud and humble to have been endorsed by the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association.”
Six other candidates have signaled they are in the race, all residents of Camarillo. They are retired probation officer Mayor Mike Morgan and businessman Councilman Kevin Kildee; Pleasant Valley School District Trustee Kelly Long; Carla Castillo, district director for Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson; businessman Jesus Torres and Daniel Goldberg, an insurance account manager. Wednesday was the deadline for submitting final paperwork to appear on the ballot for the June primary; if any single candidate gets 50 percent of the vote plus 1 they will be the automatic winner. If not, the top two candidates will face off in the November Presidential Election.
