Judge Ends Derry Ballot Designation Squabble

Most voters in Loma Linda and Redlands will likely not even take notice, but something was edited out of the sample ballot for the June election.

Taken out was the word “businessman” next to San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry’s name as ordered by Superior Court Judge James McCarville.

A supporter of Derry’s opponent, San Manuel tribal Chairman James Ramos, filed the complaint against Derry and the Registrar of Voters to have the designation removed. The men are embroiled in heated race for the third district seat that has veered toward accusations of criminal entanglements and, in some cases, name calling.

“I didn’t fight (the complaint),” Derry said after the ruling. “I wasn’t going to waste money. The Registrar of Voters did fight it.”

On March 27, Judge McCarville ruled in favor of removing the title of businessman because supervisor was his primary occupation, according to press reports.

“The voters won today,” Ramos Spokesperson Andre Levesque said through a news release. “Neil Derry’s attempt to deceive and game the political system failed once again. For some reason he attempted to paint himself as something he’s not, and ultimately the courts said no.”

Derry called the issue petty politics.

“I’m a county supervisor, which I listed, but I also own a rental property in San Bernardino which derives almost $30,000 in income for me,” Derry said. “Of course, James Ramos didn’t like that so he had someone file the complaint and he paid for the lawsuit.”

“It’s really not a big deal,” he said. “My goal is to be open and honest with the public on how I make my money, unlike my opponent.”