VENTURA : Planning Official Won’t Seek Another Term

Ventura Planning Commissioner Tim Downey announced he will not seek reappointment when his term expires at the end of June because of poor health and a need for new faces on the commission.

Downey, 44, suffered a heart attack during a commission meeting in February and underwent heart surgery on Feb. 22.

He said the chronic heart illness was partly responsible for his decision to leave the board, but that he also saw the importance of keeping the panel vital with new members.

“Had I not gotten sick, I probably would have stepped down anyway,” he said.

Last year, Downey spearheaded a successful campaign for a desalination plant in Ventura.

He called that experience the highlight of his term.

“I believe the city should move forward as expeditiously as possible to build the plant,” he said.

“We’ve had rain recently, but it holds no promise three years down the line. Now is the time to act.”

Downey said that after his departure, he hopes the commission would continue to keep the best interests of the city at the forefront of all issues.

“I hope the person chosen to succeed me follows in that trend,” he said.

The City Council has not announced when it will select Downey’s successor.