Editor's note: This is another in a series of profiles of the nine candidates running for three Ventura City Council seats in the Nov. 6 election.

Two years ago, Jerry Martin entered the race for City Council because he didn't like the direction the city was going.

A Ventura native with a successful local business and deep labor union roots, he was a political newcomer. He finished fifth in a four-seat race.

The former electrician who now runs a tax preparation and financial planning business contends current city leaders have failed to provide enough public safety protection and have delegated too much authority to the city staff.

"Nothing has changed," he said of his resolve to make another run at elected office. "They may have approved a few more houses, but basically every issue facing the city two years ago — Wal-Mart, public safety funding, development guidelines — are still there. I really believe it's time for the council to take a more hands-on approach."

He's the only candidate who has said he would vote against a Wal-Mart store and support an initiative to block big-box grocery stores citywide. He wants to see the city hire at least one more firefighter for each of the city's six stations.

Because firehouses require 24-hour staffing, that's at least 12 more firefighters, and an annual and ongoing expense of at least $1.5 million, according to firefighter union figures.

To cover the cost, Martin said, new revenue could come from enhanced tourism, arguing the city has not even begun to tap the harbor and beaches. He also would support another shot at going to voters to pass a local quarter-cent sales tax hike to pay for increased police and fire personnel. Last year's sales tax measure, P6, got 62 percent of the vote but needed 67 percent to pass.

"I like the idea of making everyone contribute, including our tourists," he said.

Fire, police endorsements

Martin's advocacy for public safety funding has earned him the Ventura firefighters and police endorsements.

Police Sgt. Jerry Foreman, president of the police association, described Martin as a hardworking, blue-collar guy — a local who would be honest with the rank-and-file without canned speeches and political talk. "He would add a fresh perspective," Foreman said.

A former labor negotiator during his electrician days, Martin also has the backing of the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council and Service Employee International Union, Local 998.

Until this year, when he was appointed to the city's Mobile Home Rent Review Board, Martin had not served on a local governmental committee. His opponents have tried to reduce him to the "labor candidate" — a title Martin embraces.

"That's who I am," he said. "And if labor (supporters) get out and vote, then I think I will be OK. If not, then it's a little harder to say."

In June, Martin helped organize a dozen local electricians, sheet-metal workers and building companies to volunteer their skills and materials to give west Ventura resident Reva Watkins' deteriorating home a face-lift and install a new furnace. Watkins is 91, blind in one eye and lives alone.

More job opportunities

"Jerry is one of the good guys," said longtime City Councilman Jim Monahan, who is backing his campaign.

An east Ventura homeowner with two adult children who live in the community, Martin wants more job opportunities for local residents.

He puts a premium on historic preservation to protect Ventura's distinct character. He fears his grandchildren won't be able to afford a home here. "I bought my house in the 1970s," he said, recalling it cost about $21,000. "I don't think I could afford my house today. I am worried that we are spiraling into a city of haves and have-nots."

Martin would push for all new housing projects to provide some affordable units. He would like to see a high-end hotel built at the harbor or Seaside Park (the Ventura County Fairgrounds). Downtown, he sees too many thrift stores and store vacancies.

Early review of developments

If elected, he would work to create a special ad hoc committee of the council to review all development applications. That way, the council would be aware of projects as they enter the planning pipeline, not as they reach the end. "Too much slips by the council now," he said.

Further, developers should have to pay a greater share of the cost for new infrastructure and city services.

When he's not at a small office complex at Seaward and Main streets, where he's kept an office for 20 years, the 61-year-old often can be spotted having breakfast at Cafe Nouveau wearing one of his prized Hawaiian shirts.

"I was born and raised here," he said. "I don't want Ventura to turn into another Santa Barbara or Santa Monica. There is an arrogance at City Hall that we have all seen, and it's time we elect leaders who are willing to serve at the will of the public."