I was reading through the Stop Runkledyne website which is devoted to stopping the development of Runkle Canyon because of fears of environmental contamination when I started to think of the upcoming city council elections.
It seems issues like Runkle Canyon, Rocketdyne, the city's sign policy, the proposed expansion of the landfill, the rate of growth of Simi Valley, the type of growth, and the city's street vendor policy are very important to voters around town but don't seem to become election issues.
Instead we get vague statements about supporting public safety ( Who is against public safety?) and the like. Are they talking about more police? A different type of enforcement? Horse back patrols? Cops on bikes? Doing everything the same as before?
What will be the hot button issues for local voters in the next election? What issues should city council members and prospective candidates start studying now to prepare? What will be the most important issue to you in the next election when choosing city council members?
Here are some past council member sites so you can go through their issues section.
What issues will voters remember from the past? How long can you remember the instructions Simon gives you?
I think development of the Runkle Canyon Ranch will be an issue but the issue will be the proposed expansion of the landfill. Does anyone remember what Steve Sojka has said on the issue?
I don't remember Steve's comment...refresh my memory please.
I don't know what he said, that is why I am asking. I want to learn the positions of the different candidates.
I recall what he said. It went something like this.
"I have concerns about Runkle Canyon and the impact it will have on our Chamber of Commerce. I'm going to be meeting with the Chamber and I'll be talking to its members to see what those impacts will be. By the way, I support a safe City and am a founding member of the Police Foundation. I am working against gangs and to keep Simi safe. I have had a very busy week. I want the viewers at home to see me, like me and understand that I am working for you. What was that question again, please? Oh, one more point, Glenn, I support what you are going to say. Thank you."
I recall what he said. It went something like this.
"I have concerns about Runkle Canyon and the impact it will have on our Chamber of Commerce. I'm going to be meeting with the Chamber and I'll be talking to its members to see what those impacts will be. By the way, I support a safe City and am a founding member of the Police Foundation. I am working against gangs and to keep Simi safe. I have had a very busy week. I want the viewers at home to see me, like me and understand that I am working for you. What was that question again, please? Oh, one more point, Glenn, I support what you are going to say. Thank you."
I like Glen Becerra's site the most. He actually understands that voters want substance and not just personality.
Paul Miller's site says more coming soon. I think it has said that since 2004 or something.
Michelle Foster doesn't have issues. Unless you count random press releases that city staff wrote about everyday functions of the city. Michelle, try to come up with some issues that set you apart. If you agree with everything that the other council members says, we could downsize the council and save money. We know you must have a different perspective on something. Let us know what. It is the decent thing to do in a democracy. Maybe it isn't the best political thing to do, but it is the right thing to do. Are you in favor of smaller lots in developments? More stoplights? More cops on the street? A permanent cop at Regal? Give us something!
Looks like Becerra's taken note of the many warning flags that are popping up. I heard the councilman offered his opinion that maybe the city should look in to setting up a bunch of citizen committees to address issues like the landfill expansion and land use issues like the Knolls Ranch and Runkle Canyon. My version's coming from someone else who heard him first hand but if that's what the councilman really wants to do then I'm all for it.
Oh! by the way, councilman, there already ARE citizen committees trying to address these concerns. Maybe you can start your outreach efforts by helping them. If you need contact info I'd be happy to help get you in touch with them all.
Please be advised that the WMI LANDFILL EXPANSION TASK FORCE will be meeting tonite (Wed, July 25) at 7PM, at the Library community room. As often happens the wrong date was printed. Hope to see you and everyone you can contact.
WHY DO YOU THINK HE WILL READ YOUR COMMENTS HERE?
WHY ARE YOU YELLING???
Don't kid yourself...Becerra knows what's happening on this blog.
I like how since local homeowners started testing the water the whole canyon is gated and guarded. Hmmm...
I used to hike in runkle canyon, and (gulp) swim in Runkle reservoir when I was a kid. I spent days up there over the years, even spending the night in the hills at times (what else do young teens do in Simi?).
A friend of mine who spent even more time up there, now has a mysterious degenerative disorder sometimes associated with exposure to radioactive materials.
Another friend of mine had a dog who went missing for weeks and was found in those hills. He developed cancer and died at the ripe old age of four.
KB home was found guilty of intentionally building homes on a wwii bombing range filled with unexploded bombs
Simi needs more homes like it needs another Charlie Manson. We need more homes like we need more Officer Prunk's. How about some more things for young teens to do? A dollar movie theater or a place for bands to practice.