After 20 long years of being ignored almost all our local politicos are on board with support for a proper Rocketdyne (SSFL) cleanup. I know that a lot of people share the credit for working so hard on this stubborn issue, for so long, to bring it to the forefront but those I know personally are Barbara Johnson, Marie Mason & Holly Huff...all of who, I'm proud to say, are residents of The Knolls. If we were a live audience I'd stand up and start clapping. They and all the others deserve the thanks and best wishes of all of us.

Kudos to Sen. Dianne Feinstein for stopping Duncan Hunter's folly of continuing hunting on Santa Rosa Island. Hunter tried many times, and finally his last efforts included hunting for "disabled veterans." He figured no one would touch legislation supposedly benefitting disabled veterans. The disabled vets didn't ask for this. Duncan Hunter used them for his own political agenda and in the process would have denied access to the island to the public for most of each year because of the danger during hunting season. He is a popular Congressman from San Diego and is a candidate for President.

Another name for my list Duncan hunter who is for hunting.

The Electrician named Powers
Realtor against banning fireplaces in new construction named Burns
The person who won a settlement for millions named Settlegoode

Be careful what you name your children

Maybe we should all start talking about making a change and convincing new leaders like Michael Gibson of Ventura to run for office. Does Gibson have a website to tell him to run for state senate?

I know his e-mail: mgibson1856@yahoo.com I'm sure he'd be thrilled to hear from genuine supporters. I know he's been kicking the idea around for some time, but I'm not sure that he'll actually do it without some significant support from the Republican power structure in V.C.

I agree with encouraging Mike Gibson to run for the State Senate seat. We need a fresh face out there, particularly from the west end of the County. Strickland needs to be challenged for that seat and not have it handed to him on a silver platter. Mike is a smart, articulate, progressive Republican who has lots of new ideas for the Party. I see him as representing the future of the Party in Ventura County.

I have to say I agree with Leslie, stop the hunting on the island. It was an embarrassment to the Republican party. I'm glad Feinstin did something about it and I wish Duncan Hunter would just give it up. Maybe Elton or someone can tell him to move on to bigger and better issues.

This presidential season is going to be hard for people of all parties. At least Mr. Hunter doesn't have a chance. Huckabee doesn't have a chance in a General election. Notice how quiet the Dems are in his run against Guiliani. THey would love to see Huckabee win.

Laura W., do you know the scoop on Edward's supposed love child. Is it the real deal or just politics as usual?

I would prefer to see him start writing guest editorials in The Star so we could see where he stands on issues. He could become the party's spokesperson. Then if that works out in a few months we could ask him to run. But to encourage someone to run without knowing many of their non-economic issues seems a little hasty.

Imp Exposure! The real Jerry Mander does NOT support Mike Gibson. Nice try.

Katie,

Edward's love child? Did you learn that from Faux News or the National Enquirer.

National Enquirer! Didn't they break the Gary Hart/Monkey Business story?

Let's not forget that they broke the Gennifer Flowers story.

As I understand, they also broke a lot during the OJ trial.

All I can say is, any office that Mike G. decides to run for, I will be there by his side, supporting him every step of the way, nurturing him, encouraging him, picking him up when the polls aren't looking so hot, cheering him on to victory, ultimately. Because, ladies and gentlemen, that's where I think his race is headed ultimately.

This is my level of commitment, even though after he lost the City Council race last time, I became a temporary recluse, went into major depression, and had to seek therapy before I was ready to emerge from my shell again and hit the blog with the spirit that lies deep within, always waiting to plunge to the surface!

C'mon! How do I really know this is Dominique!

Have faith, young man, have faith. This is certainly the day for it, is it not?

How many ways can you say .....CARPETBAGGER!!!

That's the problem with this place, anyone can write anything and pose as anybody.

What do you mean by carpetbagger, Historian? Are you referring to Mike Gibson's short tenure with the City. He's already done 10 times more than most people who have lived in this town all their lives, especially when it comes to charitable contributions and supporting organizations like The Boys & Girls Club and United Way. What have you done lately?

Yo Mongo,
What is Mike Gibson's thoughts on a Walmart in the beautiful beach community of Ventura?

Mongo-
Not that it matters but my volunteer hours for this year total about 700. I give what I can afford and support mostly youth oriented groups. I have lived in my community for some time and participate in events that make it a better stronger place to raise my family.

My support goes to those that are aware of the climate, culture and history of my town. It is important that someone in a decision making post understand where we are and how we got there. Mr. Gibson, after a brief time in Ventura, doesn't have the knowlege base of the community for office.

Ventura is on the razors edge being a shell of what was. If it continues with the 're-development' the only history will be pictures on the wall of the next mega-mart. Sure, it needs some polishing but it's place in California's past as a beach community has to be preserved.

While I'm sure Mr. Gibson gives money and some time that does not qualify as credentials for office. There are plenty of individuals that give, and have given, for many years. These people understand the three things, climate, culture and history, needed for the future conservation and logical growth of Ventura as a place, not a thing.

I think Mike Gibson could have a shot but to be considered a player he would need to start by putting in a large amount of money into his campaign to show local activists he is serious. Otherwise they will assume Strickland has it in the bag. Not many locally would go against Strickland for the fun of it.

Tony Strickland has funded and organized local GOP operations for years. You can't get people to overthrow that in a few months unless someone shows them they have a strong chance of winning AND a reason to do it.

Nobody, I think Mike G. has been very up front in his support of a Wal-Mart in Ventura as a way to add much needed sales tax revenue to the local economy to pay for such desperately needed services as additional police and fire staffing. I know he stated this emphatically throughout his recent campaign for City Council and in several letters to the editor that were published in the VC Star.

He has certainly taken a lot of heat from the pro-union types and some of the tree huggers for this position, which the current City Council has been very conspicuously quiet about. That's one of the reasons I have always liked and supported Mike. He's not afraid to put himself out there on a controversial issue like this. Like his politics or not, you have to respect him for having the courage of his convictions.

I would support Brian for City Council. He would bring a fresh perspective and balance. Simi Valley seems like it is more focused on it's "image" and cleaning up lower classes or any appearance that they exist.

Heaven forbid someone sets up a lemonade or hotdog stand or even has a garage sale and has the audacity to put out a sign. Of course, if you are a Realtor you can put signs out for your open house.

What good is equity in your home if our property taxes are paid to educate our youth and then they take that education with them and relocate to a more affordable area.

Developers, bankers and real estate people have created a mess out of our housing market with their lust for equity and profits.

I want my children and my grandchildren to have hope that they can one day afford to have a home in the community they were raised in.

And you're relying on Brian Dennert to deliver on all these issues, Love Child? What say you, Brian? Would you even consider running for public office? Somehow, you don't strike me as a politician. You're far too acerbic and cynical, like me.