Jim Dantona The two candidates vying to represent the 4th District on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors defeated veteran incumbent Judy Mikels in the June primaries.

Now they're ready to face off at the polls in what is considered the county's most dynamic political contest.

Peter Foy is a conservative business owner and a dedicated Christian who attends Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village. He describes himself as a man who is forthright, focused and driven, with strong convictions.

Although some consider him a liberal, Dantona said he is a moderate Democrat who's passionate and committed to getting things done. He owns a consulting firm and he's a devoted Catholic churchgoer, he said.

If elected, Foy said he would first address public safety funding and the overall efficiency of county government.

"We need to prioritize and look at what's the most important thing we want the county to provide," he said.

Officials must examine where the money goes, he said, especially in regard to public safety.

"Government efficiency is a big issue for me," Foy said.

Peter Foy Agencies ought to get the best possible services at the most competitive rate. Department managers must work together to improve services. Technology could also maximize productivity, he said.

Foy said he doesn't plan to get rid of unions. Employees should get competitive rates, he said, to increase job performance and retention.

"At the end of the day we need to serve the people in the county; that's why they pay taxes," said Foy. "We also need to protect the bottom line."

Dantona said he agrees that county spending must be kept in check. He proposes that all county departments should be independently audited to make sure they avoid waste.

He said he's already created an "aggressive" plan for his first 100 days in office. The county needs a person with experience, who already has relationships with Sacramento to bring back what's needed, he said.

"I'm confident that I can be one of the leaders on the board and work as a team member," he said. said.

Open space

Dantona said he wants to preserve open spaces.

"We must make sure we don't overdevelop in those areas," he said, adding that whatever's going to be proposed for unincorporated areas must be evaluated carefully.

Since a majority of Moorpark voters earlier this year rejected the large North Park project that was proposed for a site east of the city, behind the college, that property should remain undeveloped, Dantona said.

"Every time you buy a piece of property doesn't mean you will be able to build on it," said the Democrat, who also wants to see hillside development laws toughened.

Foy sees it differently. Before SOAR (Save Open Spaces and Agricultural Resources) came into play, the county already had regulations to protect greenbelts, he said, adding he doesn't like to place restrictions on individuals and businesses.

Foy said he's particularly concerned about the agricultural zones, which need to remain usable so farmers can survive.

As for North Park, it would be nice if that property could stay open, but the owners have already invested a great deal on that land, Foy said. There will probably be an opportunity for the owners to divide the land based on existing county zoning and some homes may be built.

"I like the open spaces-that's why I own a ranch," Foy said.

But without growth, the Republican added, there may be consequences. SOAR gives people the opportunity to decide for themselves, he said.

Road expansion, mass

transit and truck traffic

"All county funds should be used for road expansion," Foy said, because most people in this area don't use public transit. "We have to provide quality roads for the movement of people and products."

When roads are unimproved, they're dangerous, he said.

Although some think road expansion is growthinducing, growing families will bring more cars and more people will be on the roads, Foy said. Idle traffic is counterproductive and it also causes pollution, he said.

Dantona believes a good combination of roads and mass transit is important.

"We must make sure we get the funding we need to improve mass transit and improve infrastructure on freeways," he said.

Simi Valley landfill

In dealing with a potential Simi Valley landfill expansion. Foy said, he hasn't seen any official proposals. But if the plans are true, "I don't think we need to expand the dump," he said

Simi Valley shouldn't take in the waste for the rest of the state or other counties, he added.

Dantona said the talk of expansion is no myth.

"Lets not be so nave to believe that if official documents haven't been filed, nothing is being done," Dantona said.

Waste Management wants to double-maybe triple-the size of the Simi Valley landfill, Dantona said. In addition, he said, the company allows garbage trucks to bring in trash from more than 100 cities.

"Under my administration that's going to stop. Garbage should not be taken from outside the county," Dantona said.

"I'm not against expansion, but we still have 15 to 20 years, and by only taking local trash, the life of the landfill will be extended," he added.

Santa Susana Field Lab

"Boeing and Rocketdyne have been lying to the people of this county and they actually withheld information," stated Dantona, who said he wants the company to be held accountable for fallouts that have contaminated the area since the 1959 nuclear power plant meltdown.

"Some people have cancer because of that site," Dantona said.

The Democrat wants the district attorney to start an investigation with potential criminal charges.

"We have to protect people and this is something that needs to be handled," he said.

Foy said he thinks the board of supervisors must make sure they are on top of the matter, working with Congressman Elton Gallegly and all agencies involved to ensure that the citizens are protected and aware of dangers.

Foy said he also believes that the site must be cleaned up.

"We have to be careful we don't put people at risk, and homes shouldn't be built in that area if radiation levels are dangerous," he said.

The debate debate

Last month, Foy declined to participate in a debate organized by the League of Women Voters and a Dantona supporter because he said he was concerned the organizers would be biased.

A debate may take place at the end of the campaign when the message is clearly out, Foy said.

"I'd love to debate, but I want to stay with the issues," he said.

For more information about the candidates, visit their websites at jimdantonaforcountysupervisor.com and foyforsupervisor.com