In 2009, I accepted the role as the CEO/President of Ventura County Credit Union, a position I held until my retirement this year. During my tenure the credit union doubled in size to over $1B in assets and membership increased by more than 50%. I had a fortunate career that started in financial services right after graduation from Cal Poly Pomona. At 35 years old I became the CEO of one of the 50 largest credit unions in the state.

Nearly all local governments are going to be in for a financial rough ride due to the economic impact on business from the pandemic. The estimate for the City of Ventura is an $11M hole in revenue for this year. The worst part is the hole continues until we can get our local businesses up and growing and we get people back to work.

Executive experience is an incredible asset during times of stress and discord. I have managed through recessions and the difficult budgets they create. Business growth will lead us out of these tough times and I have a track record of growing companies. Some talk about growth, I have done it.

Turning to public safety, the Ventura Police Department enjoys an overall reputation of fairness, transparency and professionalism. They just completed their strategic plan that identifies their mission, values and vision. It lays out the priorities of the department and commits to community policing, professional development training on how to de-escalate tense interactions. We are fortunate that Chief Schlinder and Assistant Chief Dickey will lead us through these challenging times.

A key priority for the future of Ventura is the protection of our beaches, the ocean, the hillsides and our waterways. While many are talking about the updating of the General Plan, we need to also concentrate a lot of effort on building a Coastal Plan. We owe it to ourselves and the generations that will follow, to protect our coastline. In addition, we should continue our progress to improve bike lanes and trails. I can’t wait to see the improvements in the bike path and pedestrian walkways near Surfer’s Point and the Fairgrounds. I believe we should push the State to improve their path and walkway through San Buenaventura State Beach.

The General and Coastal Plans need to align smart growth with our need for affordable housing in an environment of water crisis and recent fires. Constant feedback from the community should be the hallmark of building these plans. People will support what they help to build.

I will reach out to all members of the community as my endorsements and recognitions reveal. I am fortunate to be recognized by the following organizations NAACP, Mixteco, Hispanic Coalition and the Credit Union industry.

In addition, I have earned the endorsements of Congresswoman Julia Brownley, State Assembly Members Monique Limon and Jacqui Irwin. Please visit my website at JoeSchroederForCityCouncil.com to see over 20 endorsements from leaders in education, police, the community, seniors and the Democratic Party.

It has been my honor to represent the people of Ventura as a Mayor and City Councilmember. I have shown a strong responsiveness to the needs of our community and have demonstrated thoughtful, balanced leadership. I am running for re-election in District 2 to make sure our residents are heard as we make decisions that impact our future. Four generations of my family have been fortunate to call this beautiful community our home, and my highest priority is quality-of-life improvements for all Ventura residents, including children and seniors.

As we recover from the economic and cultural impacts of COVID-19, it will be important to have leaders in place who are experienced, knowledgeable and creative. My years as a councilmember and chair of the city’s Finance and Budget Committee have given me a firm understanding of government processes, financial stability and the priorities of our community.

As a centuries-old town, we have challenges with aging infrastructure, but also enjoy the unique character of our historic buildings and cultural heritage. Our spectacular geographic location, bounded by the ocean, two rivers and hillsides, is truly our “good fortune,” to be celebrated and protected. Policies that guide our future, while balancing conservation, environmental sustainability, quality of life and growth, will be enacted in the upcoming adoption of a new General Plan, and will need steady, responsive leadership.

The core services of public health and safety, street paving, sidewalk maintenance, parks and urban forestry remain high priorities, and I will give them my continuing attention and support. My focus will also include enhancements to keep our downtown and midtown thriving. I was instrumental in the creation of Main Street Moves, the downtown street closure that enables outdoor dining to keep our restaurants in business through the pandemic. The Midtown business district also needs attention and I am working with merchants and others to visually enhance the streetscape, plant more street trees and improve parking lots.

With sea level rise and increasing storm surges, our coastline is being battered. As the vice-chair of BEACON, a multi-county joint powers authority, we are addressing beach erosion and clean oceans with grant-funded projects, such as the Surfer’s Point Managed Retreat. This project will complete the expansion of the dune area and move the eroding bike path inland, away from wave action. To help prevent harmful coastal litter and reduce plastic waste, I recently introduced to the City Council an ordinance banning Styrofoam use by restaurants in Ventura.
It is essential that as future development is considered, our city government requires compatible, high-quality projects that take into account our limited water supply, traffic and public safety impacts such as emergency evacuation. I am committed to transparency in decision-making, respect for our small-town neighborhood character, the creation of a more walkable, bike-friendly community and the preservation of open space and hillsides for future generations.

I would be honored to have your vote.
Christy Weir