VENTURA : Downey Remains in Critical Condition

Ventura Planning Commissioner Tim Downey remained in critical condition Wednesday, a day after he collapsed during a meeting of the agency.

Downey, 44, is suffering from cardiac problems, but physicians are still trying to determine if he had a heart attack, according to a nursing supervisor at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. He was taken to the hospital Tuesday night after he crumpled in his seat at Ventura City Hall in front of about 150 people.

Downey was breathing with the help of a respirator Wednesday, said his wife, Mary. “He’s doing better,” she said.

Downey led a successful public referendum campaign in November for building a desalination plant instead of contracting for state water. The measure was approved by 55% of the voters. A longtime Ventura resident, Downey is president of Ven Virotek, a Ventura company that specializes in recycling oil-field wastes.