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Candidates for Ventura County treasurer‑tax collector spar over partial payments, pool stewardship and modernization
Summary
At an INCO candidate forum in Oxnard, assistant treasurer Mary Luchie and Derek Farage emphasized different priorities: Luchie stressed safeguarding a multi‑billion dollar investment pool and operational continuity; Farage pressed for partial‑payment options, expanded outreach and modernization of taxpayer services.
Mary Luchie, who identified herself as the assistant treasurer–tax collector and a 26‑year CPA, told an Oxnard INCO forum she “directly manage[s] our $5.3 billion investment pool every day,” and framed her campaign around continuity, fiduciary stewardship and customer service. Luchie said the office processes large daily bank volumes, follows a formal investment policy and will submit an updated policy to reflect recent government‑code changes.
Derek Farage, a long‑time county employee who currently leads accounting for the district attorney’s office, said his priorities are modernization and taxpayer accessibility. “My number one priority would be instituting partial payments,” Farage said, arguing that allowing residents to pay installments throughout the year would help taxpayers and accelerate county cash inflows that can be invested earlier.
The candidates answered a series of operational questions from moderator Ronald Arjo about maintaining the treasury’s top rating, managing cash flow and improving services. Luchie emphasized daily liquidity monitoring, matching securities to cash‑flow needs and a multi‑member investment work group. Farage pointed to market tools and staff training, and said coordination with the auditor–controller and the CEO’s office is essential to forecast payroll and vendor needs across county departments and school districts.
On outreach, Farage advocated low‑cost reminders and town halls; Luchie described ongoing work with the county public information officer, recent steps such as mobile payments and a cloud‑based phone system, and an effort to revamp the office website. The two differed on emphasis: Luchie emphasized institutional knowledge and existing modernization steps, while Farage focused on introducing partial payment mechanics and petitioning the board of supervisors for broader tools such as possible tax‑payment discounts permitted by state law.
Both candidates stressed adherence to the California Government Code and to audit processes. Luchie cited regular internal and external audits as part of maintaining the pool’s rating; Farage cited his hands‑on experience at the counter and in budget oversight as the basis for improving customer service.
The forum closed with both candidates asking for voters’ support in the June election. No formal action or vote took place at the meeting.
