MATHENEY WILL SEEK TAX COLLECTOR POST.

Byline: Sabrina Decker Staff Writer

VENTURA - Lawrence Matheney, assistant treasurer-tax collector for Ventura County, announced Friday that he will run to succeed his boss, Harold S. Pittman, who plans to retire in 2002.

Pittman, who has worked for the county for almost 20 years, is backing Matheney as his replacement.

``We joke around about how no one likes the tax collector, but it's a job that takes a lot of responsibility, and it has to be done. It takes integrity - just the integrity of not letting things happen and remembering that it's not your money,'' Pittman said, ``treating people fairly. And Larry ... treats people fairly and is a man of integrity. ... I'm just very pleased that Larry is wanting to follow here in my footsteps.''

Matheney said he would continue to implement new technologies for the department, including online search capability, obtaining tax records online and having online payments possible by February or March 2002.

``One of the benefits that I've had is that he is an excellent mentor,'' Matheney said of Pittman. ``The wisdom he has shared with me has been very helpful.''

Tax collector candidates have until Wednesday to declare their candidacy since Pittman is not seeking re-election.

The deadline is also Wednesday for signing up to seek both the 2nd District supervisorial seat being vacated by incumbent Frank Schillo and the office of district attorney, currently held by Michael Bradbury. Both Schillo and Bradbury have announced they are retiring.

The deadline was Friday to file for seats in which an incumbent is seeking re-election. John Lane will challenge Supervisor Judy Mikels for the 4th District supervisorial seat in the March election.

County Assessor Dan Goodwin, Sheriff Bob Brooks and county schools Superintendent Charles Weis will run unopposed.