Assembly Member Jeff Gorell’s District Director Ernie Villegas reacted to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, stating “Jeff’s record as an independent problem-solver and fiscal reformer has great appeal with the district’s new voters. In addition, Jeff’s background as a Naval Reserve Officer makes him a natural to represent the high number of active, reserve and retired military personnel in the newly added communities of the district.”

Villegas added, “He will be proud to represent the only State Assembly district that is wholly contained within Ventura County.”

The new district maintains Jeff’s strong political base in Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Moorpark. The new lines add the eastern portion of Oxnard and the coastal areas south of Port Hueneme, including the naval base at Point Mugu. Jeff’s existing communities in North Ventura and Los Angeles counties will be shifted to neighboring Assembly Districts.

“Jeff supported the creation of an Independent Commission to take the job of redistricting out of the hands of politicians and put citizens in charge of drawing political districts,” declared Villegas. “He appreciates the demographic challenges Commission members have labored under to create districts that meet both the statutory requirements, and give proper concern for communities of interest.”

Last year, Gorell achieved broad-based voter support across the political spectrum, earning a landslide 58% win over a well-known opponent in the November election.

A third generation naval officer, Assembly Member Jeff Gorell was called back to active duty by the U.S. Navy on March 18th for deployment to Afghanistan. He currently holds the rank of Lt. Commander with the Navy (Reserve) as an intelligence officer and has previously served a tour of duty in Afghanistan shortly after the events of 9/11.

The new district now includes the Ventura County Naval base at Point Mugu where Gorell reported for duty before being deployed by the Navy to Afghanistan.

A Google Maps overlay of the lines for the district can be viewed at: http://goo.gl/jUolQ