Linda Parks: A Challenge?

Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks who will stand for re-election in June 2006 may face two possible challengers:

A California Lutheran University professor and a Conejo Recreation and Park District board member are considering running for Linda Parks’ seat on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

Political science professor Herb Gooch, 62, of Thousand Oaks confirmed he was gauging his ability to raise money for a campaign. Park District board member Joe Gibson, 50, of Newbury Park also said he was considering a bid and has recently formed a committee to gauge support and funding.

Defeating an incumbent Ventura Count Supervisor is always tough. In recent times only two supervisors have been voted out of office:

Ed Jones who was caught in a No-Tell Motel with someone other than his wife and

Madge Schaeffer who ignored her challenger and was shocked in a head to head primary by a few hundred votes.

The primary election for the seat will be held June 6, 2006. Parks is expected to seek re-election.

County supervisors oversee a $1 billion-plus annual budget. Parks’ district includes Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Lake Sherwood and the Santa Rosa Valley.

Both Gooch and Gibson called Parks a one-issue candidate devoted to an anti-growth agenda.

“I think the county can do a lot better than it is, and I’m not convinced Linda Parks can accomplish the things we need,” Gooch said.

Gibson, a self-employed environmental consultant, said, “I think I can be more than a one-issue supervisor.”

Parks, 48, a former Thousand Oaks councilwoman, is serving her first term on the board following a 2002 victory over businessman Randy Hoffman.

Flap handicaps this race as an easy Park’s primary victory. Her slow growth advocacy(popular with voters in Thousand Oaks) and a low key populist approach to her office have made her few enemies.

There is little incentive for folks to vote against her.

Both Gooch and Gibson have little chance to upset this incumbent unless something cataclismic occurs.

Now, if we were discussing an Andy Fox, City of Thousand Oaks Councilmember, candidacy then this would be a different race.

Will Andy run?