Can someone refresh my memory? Is the Simi Mayor an elected position or a ceremonial one? What is Paul Miller's day job and how long has he been the mayor or on the City Council? Where does Mr. Miller fit in on the political scale?

Katie,
Mayor Miller is a Joke. He simply sides with the Majority. He is the retired Police Chief of Simi who was not well liked by the rank and file. He is a do nothing Mayor who continues to do nothing. It's time we put him out to pasture. WILLIAMSON FOR MAYOR.

I agree with Donna lets unload Mayor Miller he is the laughing stock of our city. Miller retire.

I don't know why nobody answered your question but instead unloaded on Paul Miller.

So, I will try to answer for you. The position is elected in Simi Valley every two years. Paul miller is the former police chief although i have never seen a poll or tally by rank and file members.

He is a Republican but I don't know which way he leans. He doesn't say extremist things like the planet is warming up or evolution isn't real. but on the other hand he does endorse the Republican nominees locally that do say such things. So, I don't know if he is a moderate, conservative, etc.

I left a link to his website although it hasn't been updated in a number of years.

I happen to like Paul Miller. I believe he is accessible to the people and listens. He is always in the trenches volunteering and working with other community members to help our non-profits.

I believe Paul to be a moderate who loves his community dearly with a strong commitment to the people and our quality of life.

Donna,

I am not saying that being a moderate is better or worse than being a conservative. I am just saying I don't have much evidence either way.

What makes you think he is a moderate? You are not saying that conservatives don't love our community are you?

What issues make him a moderate?

I am glad that Paul Miller has a zero tolerance policy for gangs.

Brian and Donna Perata,
Let me clarify some issues (Per Poli Sci. 101). There are weak or strong Mayor cities across this country and state, Simi is a weak Mayor city. Why ?? Because in a strong Mayor city the Mayor should help direct the policies and discussions of the council to areas that truly need to be worked on. A weak Mayor city is one pulled and pushed by staff on policies and issues. Mayor Miller is pulled and pushed by staff espcially Mike Sedell. He is a ceremonial Mayor giving lots of resolutions out and attending a lot of non profit events (That he never puts a penny out himself for) and for that reason he is a Weak Mayor and Simi is a Weak Mayor city. It was no different under Bill Davis. Bill was totally staff driven. This isn't a personal attack just a reality. This city is now Big enough to start dealing with Big issues, issues I might add that the Mayor should be leading or at very least start discussions on. An example of that is the expansion of the Landfill, Barbra Williamson a councilmember has listened to the community and formed an advisory committee, where was the Mayor??? He wanted no part of that issue despite the fact that a poll exists that says over 50% of the community don't want any expansion. Hope that clarifies what I'm talking about.

The Mayor is elected by the residents of Simi Valley. It is for a two year term. The salary for the position is also a little more than the councilmembers. The position has no more power than the rest of the individuals sitting up there. The Mayor conducts the meetings and in the event of a tie vote, he is the swing. The current Mayor is retired from a long career in law enforcement, both in Simi Valley, Ventura County and another city, out of the county, I believe. He has been Mayor for 5 years, I think, and he is a Republican. I like Paul, he has come to my aid on several occasions, one being the appointment to Ventura County Transportation Commission.
Thanks for all the kind words.

Are there any rumors when Paul Miller will step down?

As much as I hate rumors, I haven't heard whether or not he will run again. I am assuming he will.

I probably spoke out of turn assuming that Paul Miller is a moderate. I based my opinion on the fact that he endorsed Richman and Mikels and did not endorse the Strickland's. I would need to know more about Paul's actual beliefs on broader issues other than the local community to really know if he is a moderate.

I would also be curious to hear Paul's opinion or ideas on public pensions considering he was a police officer.

Brian to answer your question I have supported moderate, conservatives and liberals in the past. My belief in the issues are scattered. I believe in local control of government. I believe in supporting the best possible candidate based on my personal observations of their actual performance in the community and qualifications.

I believe that the majority of people that run for office regardless of being moderate, liberal or conservative have a deep commitment and love our community. I believe that was very evident with the 10 SV candidates for school Board. I also have great respect for those unsung hereos that work behind the scenes on citizens committees and boards.

When I was seeking endorsements three SV city council members and Mr. Miller gave me the courtesy of taking time to get to know me and or read my resume. The members I met were extremely open to working together to solve issues such as vocational training for high schoolers, developing intervention programs for at-risk youth, transitional services for young adults etc. I am sure they all intend to work well with Kunicki since he is now our representative because they are all devoted to our children and the community.

I've said it before, I will say it again, I do not believe partisan politics should influence non-partisan positions. Call me naive, I don't care. I took a lot of heat for some of my endorsments from elected officials that were polarized. My position was firm that I wanted to work with everyone and to keep my personal friendships and politics seperate, I would not take an us or them approach. Elected officials need to be more objective, logistical and less emotional in their decision making.

Paul Miller and is wife Connie are two great members of the community. Paul has strong character and represents the City well at all functions. One can watch downtown Los Angeles as it is now being revitalized into a world famous destination downtown. In five years it will be a different City on account of the strong leadership of its current Mayor. When Paul Miller steps down, one Councilmember is most qualified to lead Simi Valley into the future that will determine whether it is successful at dealing with redevelopment, landfill expansion and worsening arterial and freeway traffic. That person is Barbra Williamson. As a banker, she knows finances. As environmentalist she understands the need for sensitive infill and redevelopment. Already, and on her own, she is preparing to take on Waste Management in its mega expansion of the landfill. We are blessed with a strong City Council and a great Mayor. I hope Williamson will consider to take the helm at the appropriate time.

Paul Miller and is wife Connie are two great members of the community. Paul has strong character and represents the City well at all functions. One can watch downtown Los Angeles as it is now being revitalized into a world famous destination downtown. In five years it will be a different City on account of the strong leadership of its current Mayor. When Paul Miller steps down, one Councilmember is most qualified to lead Simi Valley into the future that will determine whether it is successful at dealing with redevelopment, landfill expansion and worsening arterial and freeway traffic. That person is Barbra Williamson. As a banker, she knows finances. As environmentalist she understands the need for sensitive infill and redevelopment. Already, and on her own, she is preparing to take on Waste Management in its mega expansion of the landfill. We are blessed with a strong City Council and a great Mayor. I hope Williamson will consider to take the helm at the appropriate time.

Thanks for the perspective that is being generated on Paul Miller. I never heard much on him before and have never met him - which is kind of suprising considering how active I was with the Ventura County Republican Central Committee.

Either he wanted to fly under the radar or others wanted him to not be visible. All I've ever heard about is Glen Becerra and Elton Gallegly and Bob Brooks. It was like no one else existed. Simi Valley has been in lock-down for a long time and I think the recent run between Foy and Dantona shook things up a bit. It is like Simi Valley woke up to the fact they might have options.

I know with the recent change of VCRCC leadership that the more "extreme" officials are becoming more visible. The VCRCC is also implementing a "pay for endorsement" plan called the Ventura County Association of Republican Elected Officials. It will be interesting to see who decides to participate. It certainly will give Paul and other Republican officials something to think about - a rock or a hard place.

I sincerely hope that Paul Miller is a good community minded leader and that he will be a good example for others in the community. He will soon be facing a choice - serving his community or serving the current Republican party. Based on the input from the other threads, I'm getting the impression that the VCRCC doesn't believe one can do both.

Katie! What more can you tell us about the VCRCC's "pay for endorsement" plan? It sounds suspiciously like the national extremist's old policy of selling office to the highest bidder.

It's a variation of what is being done in Orange County. The LA Times ran an article in September on it. I was concerned and contacted my Central Committee representative, Dave Tennessen, about it. He was not supportive of the idea at the time but I have no clue how he ended up voting or if he even had an opportunity to vote on it.

The Ventura County Association of Republican Elected Officials costs $100 and

...provides members with invitations to campaign training events, expedited consideration of endorsement requests, reduced rate for the annual Ventura County Hall of Fame Dinner. E-mail invitations to meetings special events and our E-Newsletter.

It just went out in a newsletter to local Republicans. I'm sure all the elected officials received a copy as well.

Here's the LA Times Article.

GOP Endorsements Carry Price Tag

A new arm of O.C.'s Republican Party charges incumbents $200 if they want a shot at an early nod. Some consider it a shakedown.

By Seema Mehta and Christian Berthelsen, Times Staff Writers September 5, 2006



As the Orange County Republican Party makes its first wholesale foray into local elections, the move is coming at a cost - to officeholders.

For the first time, the county's GOP is requiring incumbent candidates to join a special party association and pay a $200 membership fee if they want to receive the party's "early endorsement."



The designation would give the candidates an early edge against Republican challengers in local races, offering them official GOP bragging rights during the campaign and for fundraising. In local elections, where voters are often unfamiliar with the candidates and media coverage is scarce, a

party endorsement is a powerful signal to voters.

Party officials say the plan is intended to familiarize city council members, school board trustees and other candidates with the Republican Party's political ideals early in their careers and foster a GOP farm system of sorts to groom people for higher office.

But the practice is raising hackles in Republican circles, leading to public sniping in a party that is often loath to reveal internal disputes.

"I understand the intention behind it in trying to get folks more involved,"
said Tim Whitacre, an elected member of the county party's central committee.

"However, it's not very well thought out because it comes across as more of a shakedown."

The fee, and the membership in the newly created Local Elected Officials

Assn., does not guarantee that the candidates will be endorsed. And all candidates, including incumbents, are free to seek the party's endorsement during its regular process at no cost.

However, in all races, once the party endorses one candidate - "early"
or
not - no other candidate in the contest will be endorsed.

Party officials defend the practice. Chairman Scott Baugh said there had

been a "misunderstanding" of the club's purpose.

"Once people understand how the process works, I think a lot of the concerns will be cleared up," he said.

"Number one, you don't have to pay any money to be considered for endorsement. Number two, the money that is collected for the association is unrelated to the campaigns in the fall. So if somebody is paying money just for the purpose of getting an early endorsement, they're missing out on 100% of the benefits the club brings."

The practice comes as Orange County's GOP committee, like many county parties around the state, has decided to become deeply involved in what have historically been nonpartisan local races.

Though the county party got involved in local elections on a piecemeal basis in the past, it is now expanding that effort to try to field candidates at every level, in every jurisdiction.

The elected officials group has held one event so far this year: a breakfast at Disneyland's Paradise Pier Hotel that featured a speech by Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle. The organization is modeled on a similar group founded in San Diego County in 2002.

Ron Nehring, chairman of the Republican Party of San Diego County, said that organization created its local elected officials' group to bolster party

unity and cohesion.

"We work very hard to build Republican identity among our elected officials," he said.

State Republican Party officials say San Diego and Orange counties are the only two county parties that link consideration for early endorsement to

membership in the group. Democrats, both statewide and in Orange County, say they have no comparable system.

Allan Hoffenblum, a longtime Republican strategist who publishes the nonpartisan California Target Book, an insider's guide for handicapping state and federal races, said the plan sends the wrong message.

"It cheapens the endorsement," Hoffenblum said. "They should know better."



Jon Fleishman, a Republican political strategist and member of the county party's executive committee, defended the early endorsement process, saying it is designed to give incumbents the edge.

Incumbent politicians received letters or calls from party officials soliciting membership in the newly formed association this year. The organization is open to nonincumbent office seekers, though they are not

considered for early endorsements.

"Once we receive your LEO Assn. application along with current dues and the written request for endorsement, we the Republican Party Central Committee will process your request for an early endorsement," party officials stated in a May 19 letter to local incumbents.

"My problem is, it looks like extortion," said Alexandria Coronado, president of the county Board of Education. "You have to pay, and you're not even guaranteed the endorsement. I find it reprehensible."

Shelia J. Henness, an incumbent trustee in the Capistrano Unified School

District, learned of the organization after she asked for the county party's endorsement this summer.

A party intern called her several times, urging her to join.

The arrangement appeared to be that "if you didn't join the committee, you wouldn't be able to get an endorsement," she said. "I was very surprised. I did join. I felt like I was pushed to join."

Henness and all other Capistrano Unified incumbents didn't receive endorsements, probably because of a string of controversies now being investigated by a county grand jury. Henness then asked Baugh for her money back.

"I told him how I felt about the $200 and having to pay that. He said he

would have that money refunded to me," she said, noting that she has yet to receive a check.

Baugh confirmed that he approved refunding money to Henness and one other candidate.

"People that joined under a misconception, I've had no problem returning

their money," he said.

Elizabeth Garrett, a campaign and election law expert at USC, said voters should be informed when candidates have paid for endorsements.

"An endorsement by a political party is an enormously valuable voting cue for a voter," she said.

"So, at a minimum it should be disclosed. Candidates ought to say, 'I paid for this endorsement.' "

Sounds like a great fundraiser so a party can make very position in government a partisan position.

What I don't get is this simple idea.

If it is such a great idea to run partisan campaigns for every position, why not advocate for change and make every race a partisan race legally?

Katie, would CAPC support making every race a partisan race? What do you know or believe that the average Republican central committee member doesn't know or believe?

I can't speak for CAPC on new issues like this until the entire Advisory Council discusses it, etc. And I don't see it being on the agenda this year.

I also can't speak for what the average Central Committee members knows or believes. They are pretty cowed right now so it is likely nobody will ever know.

I personally believe that community should always come before Party and that the Party means never justify the end.

I think trying to control the partisan nature of office is like trying to control campaign money. Like water, it will always seeks the lowest level.

Some have advocated doing away with partisan offices all the way up but not including Governor. I think Hell will freeze over before that will happen. Too many political consultants and lobbyist would lose their jobs.

I would venture to believe that the reason Mr. Miller endorsed Sup. Foy was more for the fact that he supported Mikels and after she lost in the primaries Mikels endorsed Foy.

Mr. Miller is a very community minded leader. I admire the balance he brings to the City Council. I also believe he is wise enough to know he needs to develop new community leaders such and Sojka and Foster who I do not see as party extremists.

SV City Council has a good blend of members that compliment each other. I would like to see stronger collaborations and respect between our City Council and School Board Trustees.

I would be curious to know who Barbra would like to mentor as a future community leader.

One of the great signs of a leader is to develop other leaders.

I find hope for the future when a good blend of young leaders like Scott Blough, Eric Lundstrom and Brian Dennert become involved in the process.

This is nothing new for VCRCC. Their slate mailers were nothing but pay to play in the last election. Just ask Foy, Kunicki, Lennox, Anderson, Dunn, Speakman, Bates. Incumbency wasn't a prerequisite. A big check (direct or laundry service optional), membership in an approved church and most importantly, swearing a blood oath to Herr Strickland and his minions was enough to override years of dedicated public service.

Actually I would like to see Jim Dantona Jr run for City council. He has done a terrific job as my planning commissioner and is well liked by his peers and the community.
I can tell you what I don't like, and that is to "groom" someone to the point that it is expected they will take over when the elected retires. Case in point, When Bradbury retired, they all annointed Totten...Now I like Totten, don't get me wrong, But I believe there were other qualified people in the race, but didn't stand a chance. Same thing with Elton and Glen. It is assumed that when Elton retires, that Glen will be our next Congressman, and that might well be, but I would like Glen to get this on his own, and not by proxie. Look at any of the retired offices at the County. When Mr. Dean retired, it was expected that Schmidt would get the job, and he did because all the elected backed him, regardless if he could do the job or not....I am sure I will get some flax on this, but I think we owe it to the resdients to give them the best person for the job, and that no one is intitled just because they are next in line!

Barbra,

I think there is a difference in grooming and mentoring. I was speaking more about identifying someone who has potential and helping them to become a leader and find their OWN voice.

Don't you agree that our current leaders should help our upcoming leaders learn the ropes. It seems that you are already doing this with Jim Dantona Jr., there is nothing wrong with that. I think it is also responsible to seek out potential leaders and learn and listen from them to compliment your own strengths or weaknesses.

I agree with you that there should not be an automatic annointment of a successor, leadership is earned. I see too much of our elected officials supporting status quo and not even giving a chance to someone new.

Barbra,

Who should Jim Dantona Jr. run against? Is there potential for a present member to step down? I don't know Jim so I do not have an opinion either way, I have heard he is a pleasant guy to work with.

I don't know if running "against" is the correct wording....He would be running for a seat. In 2008, which is the next election cycle (Sojka, Miller and myself) are up for re-election. To my knowledge we are all running again. There have been rumors circulating that I will not run, but that's not true at this point in time. It is my understanding that Jim Dantona Jr is NOT interested in running for the Simi valley City Council, althought I do believe he would make an excellant elected official.
I would help anyone who wants to become involved in local government. I think it is very important to cultavate young people into giving back to their community. (and even us older kids)

Hi Barbra,

Do you think we are generating enough additional tax revenue from increased property values and sales tax to pay for the $300 million dollars worth of sewage lines? If not, do you think the SV City Council will consider trying to pass a bond and would you support that?

Do you think that bus prices will increase with the cost of fuel? I personally hope not, I would like to see more students in secondary schools taking the bus and keep it affordable for families.

I think it would be great if we had a city wide campaign to encourage folks to take the bus to be a more "green" city.

Maybe the cities next newsletter should have a round trip bus pass coupon to cut out and ask residents who have access to the bus to do one errand via bus to raise awareness or take the bus with their child to help them to learn to navigate public transportation.

Donna,
I think that is a terrific idea about the one free bus pass. Don't know legally if we can do that since it would be a gift of public funds, but I will ask. I do not like Bond measures. I didn't support the school Bond because I knew there would be no accountability, even with the "oversite" committee...And we have seen how frustrated they have become. The city gets CBG dollars, and we budget pretty well, so we will have to see where the $$$ will come from. The work will be done over several years, and not all at one time, so we have time to save and prepare.

Barbra,

Maybe we could find a sponsor for the bus passes?

I guess it would depend on the $$$ amount, and what is in it for the business. I will tell you that the City does give bus passes to the Samaritan Center for the Homeless to go to job interviews.....Because of the Homeless Task Force that Glen and I sit on

I don't think giving free bus passes would be considered a gift of public funds. The metrolink on occasion runs free train service to the Ventura County Fair and, more recently, to the LA City Marathon. I would think that you could view it as a promotional expense to inform the public and increase ridership. I think that more people would take mass transit if there were more educated on the available systems.

Another thought is that city buses are operating below capacity. To give out one round trip bus ticket may increase ridership, raise average capacity per bus and offset expenses long term.

People are afraid of new experiences, you need to break down the barriers.

Bubba Kidd,

I would like to use your reference to the LA Marathon as a segway to inform the public that:

The Rotary Club of Simi Sunset is presenting a 5K/10K Gator Run/Walk. It will be held on Sunday May 27, 2007 7:30 AM at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, Early entry fee before May 10th is $25.00 after May 10th $30. Entry fee includes a t-shirt, on FREE admission Ticket ($15 dollar value) to the Cajun Festival, Door Prizes and refreshments.

Proceeds will benefit the Ventura County Fire Department Memorial Fund and Fire Fighter of the Year.

Of course we are looking for sponsors. Please contact me at 404-0914 to learn about different sponsorships.

One sponsorship opportunity will allow you to post signs on the course.

A GO Sign Sponsorship is $125 and Your name/company or logo on an 18"X 24" sign will be posted along the course.
Five GO signs for $550 and ten GO signs for $1000 posted throughout the course.

Information on the Gator run GatorRun@mac.com - 805-583-4971 or register online at www.active.com

Link to register for Gator Run.

I sincerely doubt that people choose not to ride the bus because they are afraid of new experiences. I would bet that it has more to do with the inconvenience and extra time involved.

From my house to the bus stop is easily a 15 minute walk, followed by an average 10 minute wait. Then it'll take another 10 minutes to get to the nearest Ralph's. A lot longer if I want to go to Vons. Add in the return trip, and you're looking at over an hour of travel time. For something that would take five minutes in a car.

Owen,

Your example is right for most people. I do believe that it could encourage more students in secondary schools to consider public transportation. It would help to solve some of the traffic issues that plague our schools too. I took the bus with my sons when they were younger to familiarize them with it, all three used the bus throughout high school.

I don't ride the bus in Simi because I am afraid Bubba Kidd will sit next to me and I'll die of boredom listening to one of his rants.

Donna,

I didn't have a car in high school, nor did most of my friends, so I also put my time in on the bus. It is a great mode of transportation for high school kids. However, it doesn't quite cut it for working adults. One of the things that I dislike most about LA is the lack of convenient public transportation.

I also miss walking, strangely enough. One of the strongest cultural features of LA (Southern California in general) is that nobody walks. It's not just because we're lazy, though that is part of it, things are too far to walk, and there isn't any reasonabe public transport to speak of.

I guess Owen has never heard of a "cab".

Donna,
Call me an over-protective Mother, but i would never put my kid on a city bus. I don't care how safe Simi Valley is....

I think it is important that cities develop pedestrian and public transportation friendly developments like our city has done. The Paseo Del Sol Townhouses/Senior Housing and Pavilion shopping center is a great example of good urban planning.

The City did a great job with the Senior Center which is only one block from 250 Senior Housing Apartments. I see Seniors walking or taking their electric scooters all the time to shop. Kaiser is in the same area-across the street which has enabled our Seniors to have access to almost everything they need on a daily basis. All are very accessible for public transportation.

More and more Seniors are unable to drive with the heavy medications they are on. I had to take my parents car away from them because they were on so many medications

KUDOS to the City Council!

I hope this will continue to be part of the urban planning and development in simi Valley.

My daughter, who is disabled , will be able to access everything she needs via the City Bus which has a bus stop two blocks from our house. This has been a very long term plan for us and she receives training in her education plan to learn how to use public transportation.

Barbra,
Are the buses in Simi unsafe because we have all the Simi police running around making sure street vendors are not breaking the law by staying in one place for 10 minutes? Making sure that, god forbid, someone buys a hot dog from a guy with a cart?

Yah "Not BubbaKidd," that must be it. And its not just hot dogs, there's the strawberry carts, ice cream carts, etc...

I don't take the bus. Why allow me to list them.

1. The bus is for poor people. Especially now that Donna Prenta is trying to give tickets to the poor.
2. The bus doesn't run by my home and I am not going to wait for it.
3. After the wait the bus is slow.
4. Crazy people take the bus.
5. Gang members ride the bus.
6. The bus doesn't run at night. That means you can't get a good buzz going at a bar and catch a safe ride home.
7. Make the rich people take the bus. Stop trying to bother the rest of us to take the bus.
8. I'd rather ride in the crappy bike lanes in Simi Valley. At least in the Arroyo ever few miles you can throw a shopping cart down the ricks for fun.
9. The bus smiles. It has been 10 plus years since I ride it but I think i remember it smelling.
10. The bus isn't free.

I am tired of people telling me to take the friggin' bus.

Donna, do you ever take the bus to go shopping or to a friends house? When is the last time you rode the bus alone?

Ban all busses. Make room for the cars and make everyone else walk.

The last time I took the bus was a couple of years ago. I was working as a job developer for people with disabilities who relied on public transportation. We would research the route that was convenient to their home take a ride on the bus and identify employers that they were interested in working for. We then worked out a way to make sure if they received a job that they could rely on public transportation to get them there.

The last time I took a bus alone was several years ago when I had my car repaired.

I have never heard my three sons complain about taking the bus to school. My oldest son moved to Santa Monica to go to college because he does not need to rely on a car there and he wanted to cut costs. He mostly rides his bike, walks or takes the bus to school and work to save money.

I never said the bus was for everyone, only to consider it as an option and to raise awareness about the resource. Enough said!

I am so tired of people that don't ride the bus trying to get the rest of us to ride it.

I know, how about everybody rents movies so when I go to the show there are no lines?

I think we should eliminate the bus monopoly and allow the private sector to take it over. maybe people could pay each other for rides and get some capitalism going!

When I was first married and lived in Seattle, my husband attended the University of Washington. We didn't have a car and had to take the bus everywhere, even to do the grocery shopping and laundry....I swore I would never ride the bus again if I didnt have to, BUT....it does and did serve a purpose.

Did he mention this video?

I'd like to see Donna Prenta and the city council take the bus for a week before they lecture us on it.

There are two Simi Valleys. One that takes the bus and eats at rogue hot dog stands and the golf course fund raiser circuit people.

Nobody is lecturing. You can take the bus or not...simple!

One day the bus didn't show up and I spent four hours taking old people home from the grocery store and getting my cheecks pinched. So I think reliability is an issue.

Even if they do show up and give you a ride they don't wait to give you a ride home.

I don't mean to lecture..