Editor’s note: This story is one in a series on the November 5 general election. For more coverage, visit vcstar.com/news/elections.
Two candidates are vying to represent western Ventura County in California’s 38th Assembly District in the Nov. 5 election.
The district, which spans much of the western parts of the county, includes Ojai, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore and part of Camarillo. The incumbent has served as a county supervisor for 20 years and is serving his second term as a member of the state Assembly. The challenger would be newer to elected office but has become a presence on the local political scene.
Below are the answers to The Star’s questions in the candidates’ own words. They have been edited for clarity and space.
Deborah ‘Deb’ Baber
Occupation: Retired book publisher
Age: 68
Residence: Port Hueneme
Party affiliation: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Hunter College
Elected office and years in office: Ventura County Central Committee Republican Party District 3, 2020-2024; Ventura County Republican Party Central Committee District 5, re-elected in 2024.
Campaign website: votebbaber.com
In 150 words or less, what is your top priority and how do you plan to achieve it? The government is too big. It takes too much money from our pockets, and too often it acts outside its authority. Plan for the future and create solutions today. Use technology to bring Sacramento to Ventura County. Voters should not have to travel to Sacramento to take time off from work and family at their own expense to speak on issues of importance. We need more regular voter participation and less government interference and intervention in our lives. Bills to be submitted:
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The Poison Pill Bill: Puts price controls back in the hands of the voters.
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Cap and Trade legislation: Limits the number of bills that must be considered and makes it clear who collaborates in promoting the legislation.
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Floodlights Statute: Makes salaries and per diems easy to find!
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Sticks and Stones, Words Matter Measure: Requires all ballots in the state to be written at a fifth-grade reading level!
Steve Bennett
Occupation: Member of the meeting
Age: 73
Party: Democrat
Residence: Ventura
Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Brown University; master’s degree in education, Butler University
Previous elected office: State Assembly, 2020–present; Ventura County Board of Supervisors, 2000-2020; and Ventura City Council, 1993-1997.
Campaign website: stevebennettforassembly.com
In 150 words or less, what is your top priority and how do you plan to achieve it? Address California’s problems that we too often allow to fester year after year, especially the climate, wildfire, water and housing crises. Often the state sets big goals but fails to implement them properly. My legislation and efforts are focused on: increased climate change monitoring and accountability, increased funding for wildfire prevention strategies, better oversight of groundwater agencies to prevent overuse of water, and a tighter focus on funding and legislation to build truly affordable housing for current workers in our communities, not people buying a vacation home in Ventura County. Addressing festering problems requires raising the issue even if it makes people uncomfortable, especially powerful interests threatened by the change. Then identify effective solutions used by other countries, states or the private sector. Finally, stakeholders must be convinced to support the solution despite the political pressure that has allowed the problem to continue to fester.
Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her out cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Baber, Bennett battle in California’s 38th Assembly District race
