GALLEGLY WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION 20-YEAR CONGRESSMAN CITES HEALTH AS THE REASON.Byline: Eric Leach Staff Writer SIMI VALLEY Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. - Republican Congressman Elton Gallegly Elton W. Gallegly (born March 7 1944), an American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1987, currently representing the 24th District of California (map). , who has represented the Ventura County area for the past 20 years, announced Friday that he will not seek re-election for health reasons. ``I have been dealing with a medical issue that is yet to be resolved,'' said a statement from Gallegly, who turned 62 on Tuesday. ``Although I am hopeful it will be resolved positively, it would not be fair to my constituents and supporters should I be forced to withdraw from the race midyear. ``This has not been an easy decision but I believe it is the correct one.'' The announcement came on the final day to file for the June primary election. Ventura County election officials said it was too late to remove Gallegly's name from the ballot or extend the filing deadline for his 24th Congressional District Noun 1. congressional district - a territorial division of a state; entitled to elect one member to the United States House of Representatives district, territorial dominion, territory, dominion - a region marked off for administrative or other purposes seat. Gallegly said he had been working for the past two weeks with former Ventura County District Attorney Michael D. Bradbury, his campaign chairman and counsel, to remove his name from the ballot. Bradbury said Gallegly still hopes something can be done to reopen the election to new candidates. Gallegly has served in public office since 1979, when he was elected to the Simi Valley City Council. He served seven years as Simi Valley mayor before being elected to Congress in 1986. He is a senior member of the House Judiciary, International Relations international relations, study of the relations among states and other political and economic units in the international system. Particular areas of study within the field of international relations include diplomacy and diplomatic history, international law, , and Resources committees and a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. A vocal opponent of illegal immigration "Illegal alien" and "Illegal aliens" redirect here. For other uses, see Illegal aliens (disambiguation). Illegal immigration refers to immigration across national borders in a way that violates the immigration laws of the destination country. , he also has fought hard for increased security at the U.S.-Mexico border. The announcement came as a shock to many in the heavily Republican district, which includes Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. and Simi Valley. ``He's virtually become an institution,'' said Herbert Gooch, a political science professor at California Lutheran University Mission statement The University's mission statement is as follows: "California Lutheran University is a diverse, scholarly community dedicated to excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies. . Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller The name Paul Miller is shared by a number of people.
``This comes as a complete surprise,'' Miller said. ``He will be sorely missed.'' Mike Sedell, Simi SIMI Sea Ice Mechanics Initiative SIMI Search for Intelligent Monkeys on the Internet SIMI Students Islamic Movement in India SIMI Society of Irish Motor Industry SIMI Smallholder Irrigation Markets Initiative Valley's city manager who served as Gallegly's chief of staff from 1986 to 1990, said Gallegly has fought hard for the best interests of his district. ``While in Congress, Elton never forgot his roots,'' Sedell said. ``He always sought to bring a fair share of federal resources back home.'' Gallegly, who fought to prevent the closure of the Navy's Point Mugu operations and to provide funds for widening the 101 and 23 freeways, said one of his fondest memories was flying to Ventura County aboard Air Force One with then-President Ronald Reagan and pointing out the Simi Valley hills where Reagan's presidential library would be built. ``I would like to thank the people of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties for all the support I have received over the years. I have been truly blessed,'' Gallegly said. Staff Writer Angie Valencia-Martinez contributed to this report. Eric Leach, (805) 583-7602 eric.leach(at)dailynews.com |
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