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Ventura County, CA March 2, 2004 Election
Smart Voter

A few highlights from John Flynn's career with respect to persons of Mexican American and Hispanic descent

By John K. Flynn

Candidate for Supervisor; County of Ventura; Supervisorial District 5

This information is provided by the candidate
John Flynn represents all of his constituents in a multicultural District. He has learned the Spanish language in order to communicate better with his Spanish-speaking constituents.
  • Wrote first curriculum on Mexican American contributions to the United States + Ventura Unified District, 1969.

  • Wrote a study for the American Friends Service Committee pointing out the University of California's century of service to agribusiness, including its development of mechanized crop harvesting. The study was an effort to get the university to spend equal funds on farm workers.

  • Has supported the Future Leaders of America financially and by helping to organize a fundraiser at the Oxnard Community Center.

  • Sent by Radio Station KTRO to Mexico City to distribute money collected in southern California for earthquake victims + 1985.

  • Appointed the first Hispanic, Vince Ordoñez, Jr., to the Ventura County Planning Commission.

  • Led the investigation of the Sheriff's Department when helicopters were used to control strawberry strikers + in direct contact with César Chávez; difficult confrontation with farmers over this issue.

  • Was one of the leaders of the Colonia Committee for Better Recreation to help raise funds for a Colonia swimming pool.

  • Was the most outspoken elected official in Ventura County against Proposition 187. Helped El Concilio organize a rally against Proposition 187 at the County Government Center which attracted 500 people. Made substantial financial contributions.

  • Went to México five times at own expense to study and learn Spanish.

  • Was a leader in the farm worker support efforts for the Egg City Strike, 1967.

  • Was a member of the Community Service Organization [CSO] Board of Directors.

  • Called the "Kenny Hahn of Ventura County" by State Senator Polanco.

  • Has always had an integrated staff (including Spanish-speaking, Mexican-American staff members) in his County Supervisor's office. Moved his office from Ventura to South Oxnard to be closer to his constituents.

  • Has served thousands of Hispanic and Mexican Americans who have problems.

  • Has personally taken sick people to the Emergency Room and helped raise funds for those in need of medical attention.

  • Led political committee Against Proposition 14 in Oxnard, 1964. [Proposition 14 allowed discrimination in housing.]

  • Joined the most recent local UFW strawberry fight in 1999.

  • Is a loud voice for equal opportunity and affirmative action in the County.

  • Was Grand Marshal for Cinco de Mayo and 16 de Septiembre parades.

  • Active on the Mexican American Political Forum's Board of Directors for 25 years.

  • Served on numerous boards and support groups for various War on Poverty projects in La Colonia. Was mentioned in Steve Allen's book about the farm workers' quest for decent working conditions: The Ground is Our Table.

  • Helped obtain a fire truck for the little town of Tonaya, Jalisco, México.

  • Received outstanding teacher award from the Mexican American Political Association [MAPA] in 1969.

  • Received numerous awards and recognition from groups such as the Mexican American Political Forum.

  • Accomplished two terms recently on the Board of Directors for El Concilio; has helped and is continuing to help El Concilio obtain needed funds and funding on numerous occasions.

  • Supports organizations that serve a large Hispanic population such as El Concilio de la Condado de Ventura, El Centrito de la Colonia, Teátro de las Américas and Teátro Inlakech with help and personal funds.

  • Has supported many, many Hispanic candidates for political office, including Manuel López, John Zaragoza and Daniel Martinez. [Oxnard City Clerk Daniel Martinez used the John Flynn endorsement everywhere in his campaign brochures]; supported Daniel Martinez' quest for equitable pay as City Clerk.

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ca/vn Created from information supplied by the candidate: February 29, 2004 20:12
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