by Cheryl Heitmann for City Council
Ventura is a very special place. I am running for re-election because I am committed to preserving our unique quality of life and rich natural environment. Planning for our future will require creative, common sense thinking and the right kind of effective experienced leadership that I bring to the council. I am a proactive council member who sees a problem and works towards a solution.
I have been honored to serve on the Ventura City Council the past 5 years, two as Mayor, 2013-15 and am only the 3rd woman to serve as mayor in 150 years. Prior to serving on the City Council, I was Board President of the Ventura County Community College District and Executive Director of the Ventura Music Festival. I have a Master’s degree in Social Work and was a small business owner for over 25 years.
As the chair of the Council’s economic development subcommittee, I helped draft Ventura’s 5-year economic development strategy. I will continue to work on creating more jobs and expanding our high tech incubator space. The recent success of the Trade Desk, which started in our incubator space, has grown from 2 people to an international company with hundreds of employees, demonstrates how important it is to “grow our own companies”.
Concerned about our aging population, I recruited a group of interested residents to form the Ventura Council for Seniors to advise the Council on needed services and develop a strategic plan for seniors.
Homelessness is one of our most intractable issues. Working with Assemblywoman Irwin we have been able to secure land at no cost to the city to build housing for homeless Veterans.
Hearing from many people that our downtown parks and the promenade were feeling unsafe, I proposed and successfully advocated for our park ambassador program to provide a more comprehensive/compassionate approach to a cleaner and safer downtown.
Balancing our growth with our water supply will continue to be critically important. It requires careful planning, while developing additional water sources. We must also continue to tackle the infrastructure needs of a 150-year-old city and ensure that we are providing adequate public safety.
My ability to listen and collaborate with others delivers results. This is reflected in the wide variety of groups including the Ventura Police and Fire Associations, the Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation, the Chamber of Commerce, Tri Counties Central Labor Council and many others who endorse me.
Through my “Coffee with the Mayor” effort, I heard the love for our city as well as the concerns. I am committed to continue working with you to find the best ways to ensure we are maintaining our quality of life and the integrity of our neighborhoods.
My website is www.re-electcherylheitman.com or email me at [email protected]. I am #5 on your ballot and would be honored to have your vote.
