Donations Boost War Chest for Candidate, 18

CAMARILLO — Chris Valenzano, the youngest candidate in memory to run for a Camarillo City Council seat, received more campaign contributions last month than his two opponents--including donations from the mayor’s relatives.

The 18-year-old Camarillo High School senior received $2,443. Mike Morgan, 50, received $2,359, and Ned Chatfield, 78, received $1,016. The reports were filed for the period April 26 to May 22.

However, Morgan, who served on the City Council for 16 1/2 years before making an unsuccessful 1996 bid for county supervisor, leads in overall contributions. His $3,751 total is just $46 ahead of Chatfield’s, who served on the council from 1964 until 1974.

Valenzano was not required to file a campaign statement during the last filing period, from March 7 to April 25, because the $600 he raised was well below the reporting threshold of $1,000. His total contributions are about $3,000.

Valenzano’s largest contribution came from the nephew of Mayor Stan Daily. Eric Daily, a bookstore owner, donated $250, and his father, Phil, a real estate broker, contributed $100.

Other $100 contributions came from the candidate’s grandfather, Dominic Valenzano, and from H.M. West Builders Inc., Stanley Jensen Chiropractic Clinic and Jim Piraino, owner of Camarillo Car Care.

“Some years ago, Chris’ father and I were both in Optimist Club and Chris used to sit on my knee at the meetings,” Piraino said. “I’ve known him over the years and he’s grown--he represents a fresh look at the city. Knowing him and his outlook, he’ll go in with his eyes wide open and ask a lot of questions, some that might not have come up otherwise--I think it’s what the city needs.”

Valenzano also received $884 in nonmonetary contributions from accountant Debra Miller for campaign buttons, Jo Holler of HJH Gifts for fliers, Don Valenzano for printing and mailing, and TCI CableVision for television advertisements.

After $1,038 in expenses for signs and a ballot statement, Valenzano’s campaign balance was $491, with no outstanding debts.

Whereas Morgan received $1,202 less than Chatfield during the last filing period, he received $1,343 more in this period.

Morgan received $100 contributions each from homemaker Judy Aronson, teachers Walt Lusk and Priscilla Reedy and tae kwon do instructor Master Shin. He also received nearly $1,500 in contributions of less than $100 each, which do not have to be itemized, and a $500 loan from his wife, Donna.

“He’s been active in our community and has done a lot,” Reedy said. “He grew up and went to school here. . . . He’s done a lot for the youth and worked hard to get a university in where the state hospital was.”

After $1,794 in expenses for pamphlets, labels and a fund-raising event, Morgan’s campaign balance was $846 with an outstanding debt of $1,539, including the loan from his wife and $525 for pamphlets from Hayes Graphics.

Among Morgan’s backers is the Ventura County League of Homeowners.

Chatfield received $1,016 during this filing period, with $100 each from his granddaughter Teresa Chatfield and from M.F. Daily Investments. He also received $616 in contributions less than $100 each and a $200 loan from himself.

After $1,150 in expenses for posters and a newspaper advertisement, Chatfield’s campaign balance was at $657 with no outstanding debts.

Most of Chatfield’s endorsements come from labor unions, including the Gold Coast District Council of Carpenters, Ventura County Building and Construction Trades Council, the International Union of Operating Engineers and the United Assn. of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Welders and Apprentices Local 484.

“I have known Ned Chatfield for at least 40 years,” said Camarillo resident Jack Kitchen, 78. “He’s a dedicated worker for the community, and I know for a fact that anybody that would vote for him won’t be shortchanged in what they believe in.”