Richard Francis

"We think we're going in with a fairly strong head of steam. We anticipate getting SOAR off the ground and into people's homes."

AGE: 49

HOME: Ventura

PROFESSION: Attorney

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Working with former Ventura Councilman Steve Bennett, Francis has orchestrated a move for a countywide law, known as SOAR, that would keep farmers from developing their land for 35 years without the voters' permission. Professionally, he is proud of buying a house in Oxnard's Heritage Square for his law practice--a move he sees as an investment in redevelopment and an "antidote to sprawl."

GOALS FOR 1998: That's simple: Raise enough money and gather enough signatures to place SOAR on the November ballot. Despite well-financed opposition from growers and builders, Francis points to polls indicating widespread support. Onetime mayor of Ventura, Francis shrugs off the possibility he will run for any other office soon. But the SOAR campaign can't help but build his political clout across the county.