In the extended comments there is a letter from Kathy Smiley. Don't use it as a chance to attack people or I will delete your post. It takes a lot for a person to stand for office. Regardless of your political beliefs respect that.

I respect the fact that Judy Mikels, Jim Dantona, Ferial Masry, The Stricklands, Peter Foy, Michael Tenenbaum, Elton Gallegly, Mary Pallant, Jill Martinez, Brett Wagner, Tom McClintock, Cameron Smyth, and many more local people have given of their energy to try to change our community to a better place. I don't agree with their vision, but I can admire their tenacity and willingness to fight.

I also respect their employees that get all of the flack, but very little glory.

If you want to read something with a touch of class click on continue reading for Kathy Smiley's kind words.

Begin Kathy Smiley:

Dear Mary,

Thank you for your hard work over the last several years in Conejo Valley democratic politics. You have been a wonderful role model for many of us.

You made phone calls and walked door-to-door to help defeat the governor's initiatives during the special election, while many sat comfortably in their chairs. You spoke out early against the war in Iraq and its impact on our lives and children's lives, while many remained silent to avoid rocking-the-boat. You enthusiastically and unapologetically offered a BOOMING voice to progressive values, while many of us were still clearing our throats. By challenging the governor on primetime television during the special election you gave voice and substance to our frustrations and served as a catalyst for our hopes. You never shied or shrank from challenging the status-quo. You donated your time, skill and, yes, charm to reach out not only to local voters but even a wider audience statewide, strategically helping to bring our district into what is now a very important limelight.

You went on record early as a Democratic candidate who will not attack a fellow Democratic candidate. And you stuck to that promise. You even reached out warmly to embrace a fellow candidate during what had become a very difficult time. You truly took the high road, as you had always pledged to do. I am sorry to lose you as a candidate in the congressional race, but of course understand that your family is your most important consideration. And I am heartened in knowing that you will continue to offer your many talents, skill, hard work ethic, and, yes, charm to help the entire community of the Conejo Valley.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Kathy Smiley, Administrative VP
Democratic Women's Council of the Conejo Valley
kdsmiles@msn.com