Lou Lichtl, the incumbent Ventura County Community College District trustee for Area 2, is seeking re-election in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Roger Bowerman.

Asked in our candidate questionnaire why he is running, Lichtl said: "I am seeking re-election because I believe that making a meaningful difference for the community in public service requires experience. After more than 40 years in public education, I remain committed to ensuring our community colleges provide AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE pathways to FOUR-YEAR DEGREES, career training, and good-paying jobs."

He added: "I am committed to strengthening partnerships with local businesses, the Naval Base, and industry leaders while expanding career education, technical training, internships, and relevant degree programs."

Candidate information

Residence: Newbury Park since 1996, according to the district's Board of Trustees website.

Family: "I am married, am blessed with two adult children, both married, and one grandchild," Lichtl said in our questionnaire.

Education: "I began my higher education as a community college student at West Los Angeles College, an experience that gave me a firsthand appreciation for the opportunities community colleges provide. I continued my education at California State University, Long Beach, Pepperdine University, and California Lutheran University," Lichtl said in our questionnaire. He added: "As the first member of my family to earn a college degree, education has had a profound influence on both my life and my career. I was also honored to be recognized as a Distinguished Scholar by California Lutheran University's School of Education."

Party affiliation: Lichtl said in our questionnaire: "The office I currently hold and am seeking is nonpartisan; therefore, I respectfully decline to state a political party affiliation."

Experience and public service

Lichtl described his career in our questionnaire: "I have devoted more than 40 years to public education and educational leadership. My career includes serving as Principal of Thousand Oaks High School and Redwood Middle School and as Assistant Superintendent with the Conejo Valley Unified School District, where my responsibilities included district operations, policy development, compliance, and oversight. I retired from CVUSD in 2021."

He added: "I currently serve as Administrator of a non-public school supporting students with special needs and as the elected Trustee for Area 2 on the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees."

Asked about previous offices, Lichtl said he has served as board vice chair and as "President of the Marmonte League and Chair/Organizer of Legislative Action for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Conejo, Las Virgenes, Oak Park Chapter."

He has been a member of the Association of California School Administrators since 1995, according to the district's Board of Trustees website.

On the issues

What sets him apart: "The most significant difference is my breadth of experience and a demonstrated record of leadership," Lichtl said in our questionnaire. "During my first term, I have remained focused on fiscal accountability and transparency, student success, effective governance, and workforce development. I am particularly committed to strengthening partnerships with local businesses, the Naval Base, and industry leaders to expand programs that lead to degrees, certificates, transfers, and well-paying careers."

Student access: Lichtl said on his campaign website that he was "a strong advocate for dual enrollment, helping create pathways for high school students to earn college credit."

Best advice: Asked about the best advice he has received, Lichtl quoted Stephen Covey in our questionnaire: "'Seek first to understand, then to be understood.' … I try to approach difficult decisions by listening carefully, gathering the facts, considering different perspectives, and then explaining my own position clearly and respectfully. You do not have to agree with someone to learn from them, and understanding should always come before judgment."

Endorsements

The following endorsement was claimed by the endorsing organization, according to a Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association post on Instagram:

  • Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association

Residents can follow Lichtl's campaign at lou4vcccd.com and on X at @Lou4VCCCDBoard.