The forthcoming general election on November 5th unfolds an exciting race for the mayoral position in Simi Valley, one of the major metropolises in Ventura County, with close to 130,000 residents. Among the participants in the race are incumbent Fred Thomas, who is battling it out with competitors Robert Clarizio, Wayne Hampton Holland III, and Michael Shaw. Going against the convention of City Council contenders who represent distinct districts, these candidates are running for the mayoral office citywide.
Taking the spotlight amidst the competition is incumbent Fred Thomas, a successful entrepreneur running two businesses in direct mail marketing and commercial printing. At 66 years old, Thomas stands proudly as a Republican, relying on his years of education culminated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from CSU Northridge. As the current mayor of Simi Valley, Thomas vows to continue enhancing the city’s infrastructure and roadwork, fostering safety, and promoting sensible growth.
On top of his commitments, Thomas emphasizes the importance of a healthy economic approach by striving to maintain a balanced budget and the consistent investment in reserves for the city’s future. Notably, he prides himself in his readiness to engage with the constituents, pledging an open-minded and balanced approach to handling every issue for the betterment of Simi Valley.
Among the challengers is Robert Clarizio, whose silence in response to The Star’s inquiry leaves an air of mystery. Despite the lack of details about Clarizio’s stance, the election carries on, seeing each candidate present their views and strategies on the city’s development.
Contrasting sharply from Thomas’s pragmatic and conservative governance is Michael Shaw, a retired business owner. Identified as a Democrat, Shaw, aged 69, boasts of an academic stint at Pepperdine University where he delved into journalism and business administration. While never holding elected office, he passionately emphasizes his vision for an ‘honest change’ at City Hall.
Shaw loudly calls for an increased level of transparency and accountability among City Hall, urging officials to use common sense and vote in alignment with their majority constituents. He seems to emphasize a somewhat pie-in-the-sky view of urban planning through common sense principles and a greater enforcement of environmental protection. It can be difficult to see the practicality in these vague vision statements.
In his commitment to his constituents, Shaw promises to be a listening ear and a vigorous advocate for what values they hold dear. However, many may wonder about the feasibility of such grand promises and the potential for over-promising and under-delivering.
Adding color to the mayoral race is Wayne Hampton Holland III, a Broadway producer and financier. Just 33 years old and a Republican, Holland pursued finance at DePaul University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance complemented with a minor in real estate finance and investment.
Holland’s main concern are the periodic wildfires afflicting Simi Valley. A method he endorses to curb this threat is the strategic use of goats for clearing flammable brush. This method establishes key barriers between the wildfires and structures within the city, demonstratively safeguarding significant landmarks such as the renowned Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Additionally, Holland has extensive plans for a vibrant arts and education community in Simi Valley. He dreams of leveraging his relationships in the fields of Broadway and theatre to bolster existing programs and unveil a ‘New Works’ program, bringing the city to life with an exciting arts scene.
Holland also identifies a gap in the education system, particularly in the area of financial literacy and proposes to address the problem with a supplementary educational program. While well-intentioned, these are lofty goals that may not resonate with a voting population more concerned with fundamental civic issues.
The November 5th Election Day will provide the canvas onto which our story unfolds. Residents of Simi Valley have a significant decision to make: should they stay the course with a proven leader in Fred Thomas, or gamble on an untested and potentially idealistic newcomer?
While Democrats like Michael Shaw present a platform of nebulous change, voters may find the tried-and-true, sensible stewardship of Thomas more appealing. After all, Thomas has proven his capability to balance budgets while enhancing the city’s infrastructure and road work, tangible benefits that the residents can see and experience.
Wayne Hampton Holland III, although enthused with creative ideas for the arts and education, might be considered too specialized to handle the broad challenges faced by the city. While his ideas sound intriguing, voters are likely more concerned with practical daily issues and the economy, where Thomas excels.
When Election Day comes, Simi Valley inhabitants have a significant verdict to deliver. They must choose between the solid, proven approach of Fred Thomas, Michael Shaw’s ill-defined visions for ‘honest change,’ or the arts and education focused initiatives of Holland. It will be an exciting day to see who will earn the right to lead this vibrant city into its next chapter.
May this race serve as a shining example of democracy in action, with each candidate offering their unique visions for the future of Simi Valley. Regardless of the outcome, the upcoming general election remains a powerful display of the democratic process, and a reminder that every voice, every vote holds weight in shaping the path of one’s city.