Countywide : Chicano Forum Backs 11 Candidates

The Mexican-American Political Forum of Ventura County announced Tuesday its endorsement of 11 candidates seeking election to local, state and congressional seats.

“We looked at the candidates themselves, their stands on certain issues, community involvement and their political track records,” said John J. Cobian, the organization’s president.

In city races, the group endorsed Andres Herrera for Oxnard City Council, Manuel Lopez for Oxnard mayor, Henry Knowles for Port Hueneme City Council and Bill Brown for Camarillo City Council.

Steve W. Stocks won the forum’s endorsement for the Oxnard Union High School District board.

In state races, the forum endorsed Democrats Henry Phillip Starr in the 19th State Senate District and Assembly Jack O’Connell in the 35th Assembly District, and Republican Nao Takasugi in the 37th Assembly District.

In federal races, the organization endorsed three Democratic women: Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein for U. S. Senate and Anita Perez Ferguson to represent the 23rd Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

The Ventura County chapter of the Mexican-American Political Forum has 200 members and makes endorsements in each election, Cobian said.

It was founded in 1976 to represent the rights and interests of the Mexican-American community, he said.