Peace Officers Back Mikels, Loh

The Ventura County Professional Peace Officers Assn., which represents about 300 correction and probation officers, has announced its endorsement of supervisorial candidates Judy Mikels and Trudi Loh.

The candidates earned the organization’s endorsement because of their concern about juvenile and adult justice issues and “their commitment to improving community-based corrections programs,” said association President Nancy Pierce.

Mikels, a Simi Valley councilwoman, is competing for the seat being vacated by Supervisor Vicky Howard, whose 4th Supervisorial District includes Simi Valley, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley.

Mikels said she was pleased to receive the endorsement and promised if elected to protect funding for corrections programs. “After talking with me and seeing me in action (on the council), they felt confident with what I was telling them,” she said.

Loh, an attorney and Thousand Oaks resident, is running for a seat held by Supervisor Maria VanderKolk, whose 2nd Supervisorial District covers most of the Conejo Valley and Port Hueneme. Like Howard, VanderKolk is stepping down after one term.

The peace officers association represents about 300 correction services officers, deputy probation officers, airport and harbor patrol officers and county park rangers.