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October 31, 2006
Cushing a strong choice
A local civic leader with great integrity, with a record of business success and proven commitment to the community characterizes Gary Cushing, the top candidate for the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District. I know Gary as an individual of outstanding personal character and am completely confident in recommending him.
His interest and dedication to the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District is multi-faceted and will represent all segments of our population. In other words, he is not a one-issue candidate. His interests include ensuring that senior citizen services are outstanding, ensuring that youth sports grow with our children and ensuring that our trails, parks, centers and equipment will meet our changing needs.
Fiscal responsibility is a top priority, and I know that his skills and experience in running a successful local business will be applied to his thoughtful leadership as a director of the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District.
Gary Cushing routinely delivers more than is expected, and he keeps his word. This is our opportunity to select the leaders we want. Vote for Gary Cushing.
— Pat Smith, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:13 PM
Start fresh in City Hall
After the debacle of Fagan Canyon, voters in Santa Paula have a chance to make big changes in the city. Three council seats are up for election, and three very good challengers have thrown their hats into the ring. They are Ralph Fernandez, Bob Gonzales and Fred Robinson. They can make the difference for our city's future.
Let's have a clean sweep at City Hall on Tuesday. These three men have pledged to accept and work with Measure L6 if it passes. L6 is needed and is a well thought-out example of "power sharing." A vote for L6 is a vote to retain Santa Paula's small-town character and your right to vote on large-scale development.
— Richard Main, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:09 PM
Questions about Hernandez
Since Art Hernandez is running for re-election to the Ventura County Community College District board of trustees, now is the perfect time to remind the voters about his ethical lapses, so when they cast their vote they are well-informed about his character.
The voters need to be reminded that it was Hernandez who helped draft former Chancellor Phil Westin’s very lucrative employment contract. When Westin’s abuses of his perks came to light, Hernandez persuaded the board to let him go without an investigation and, on top of that, with severance pay in the amount of approximately $600,000. Birds of a feather flock together, it would seem.
Then there are the credit card scandals that have ensnared Hernandez. Several years ago, his county-issued credit card was fraudulently used for the purchase of a diamond ring and bracelet. Several thousand dollars were racked up for this purchase. When this story broke, his defense was that the credit card was stolen, despite the fact that he had not reported this before the episode became public. He has had two such misadventures, both of which were reported in The Star.
What is surprising is that despite lapses, Hernandez has gotten away with them. The question as to why this is the case bears investigation by the powers that be. But now the voters can hold Mr. Hernandez accountable, even though VCCCD and others are unwilling to do so. Adios, Mr. Hernandez!
— Louise Andrade, El Rio
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:05 PM
Cushing an asset
The citizens of the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District in Camarillo will be greatly served by electing Gary Cushing to their board of directors.
Mr. Cushing has been involved in numerous leadership roles in the community of Camarillo over the past 15 years. He has been the president of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, and during his leadership, he brought new innovations to that body. He has held positions of responsibility as member of the boards of Rotary Club of Camarillo, Ventura County Taxpayers Association, Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo, as well as having coached soccer, football and baseball for some 10 years, to mention but a few. I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Gary on a board, and his leadership skills are remarkable.
Gary Cushing’s leadership has been exemplary in each of the above areas. As a longtime mayor of the city of Camarillo, I have had the pleasure of interfacing with Gary in many of his activities over the years. He has consistently given to the community of his talents and leadership.
Gary Cushing will be a positive asset to the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District, and, when elected, he will ensure that our tax dollars are well spent and will effectively plan for the future of our district.
— Stanley J. Daily, Mayor Emeritus, City of Camarillo, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:59 AM
Change council, not taxes
Tuesday, the citizens of Ventura will be asked to approve Measure P6 and increase our sales tax. It is incumbent upon us to make the right decision, and I would ask every voter to vote no on this measure.
It is alarming to learn that we have not hired any new officers since 1990, unlike Oxnard, which has hired 80 new officers since 1993 without a tax increase. While need has been demonstrated, the need for more tax money has not.
My goal was to determine if the city truly needs additional money or if the City Council has the money but uses it for its own agendas and programs. The facts reveal:
— Council adopted the 2006-07 budget projecting income of $288.5 million.
— The budget included $25.7 million from property taxes. Council diverts $3 million to redevelopment.
— The budget also included sales tax of $18.7 million, projected to yield an additional $7.5 million over the next 10 years.
— Council has set aside $48 million in reserve, including $5 million the city manager describes as “venture capital.”
— City Council and the city manger have not made police and fire a top priority, opting instead to throw money at other programs and projects.
The conclusion is that we do not need a new tax to pay for police and fire; we need new council members. Instead of providing objective facts, proponents resort to fear-mongering as a reason for voting for this measure — if you don’t vote yes, crime will be rampant and the sick and elderly may not have their ambulance when they need it. I think the voters in this city can now see what is going on.
— Robert L. McCord, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:50 AM
Complaints unfounded
As a U.S. citizen, Oxnard resident and merchant and president of the Downtown Oxnard Merchants Association, I feel the responsibility to call upon the community to exercise their right to vote. However, I would like to remind them to make sure that their choice is based on positive and accurate information, not on negative campaign comments and ads as expressed by Phil Molina and his camp.
Tom Holden’s performance as an elected official, since the beginning, has been of excellence. As mayor of Oxnard, he has been able to assemble the most effective team of staff members in many years, working diligently with proven, positive results. He is capable of guiding our city into a future of optimism and success.
Since his inaugural day as mayor of Oxnard, the city of Oxnard has been the recipient of new sewer lines, new paved roads and streets, more police personnel, a new parking structure, a new multiplex theater and plenty of new business in the heart of downtown. However, his concerns have expanded throughout the whole community — declaring war on graffiti and making our neighborhoods safer with additional patrolling, converting Oxnard into one the safest cities in the state of California. And yes, there is a lot more to be done.
I wish Molina could display a better code of campaign conduct and use his time to show us his agenda for the city of Oxnard if he was elected mayor.
— Gaston R. Gomez, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:47 AM
Why Prop. 90 doesn’t work
Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation, a nonprofit, all-volunteer local organization, was founded in 2001 to promote preservation of hillside land, above the city limits, from large-scale residential development.
Our mission has been successful, to date, because of VCHP’s continuing public contact, its election campaign efforts and ongoing City Council support, culminating in the adoption of the plan in August 2005. However, all this work stands an excellent chance of being totally obstructed if Proposition 90 is approved Tuesday.
Please study your Voter Information Guide to understand the impact of Proposition 90 as it affects the areas of environmental protection and land-use planning. This proposed initiative constitutional amendment is extreme in these areas. We can learn from the impact of a similar ballot proposal that has already been enacted in Oregon in 2004 as Measure 37. It has weakened Oregon planning laws to the extent that some 2,100 claims have been filed by landowners, intending to develop approximately 143,000 acres. The landowners may demand that agencies either waive land use regulations or pay nearly $4 billion in compensation. In nearly all the 700 claims settled to date, agencies have waived the regulations to avoid enormous monetary settlements.
It is obvious that the environmental protection that communities such as Ventura have enjoyed to date because of mutual efforts by officials resolving together to achieve “quality of life” goals will be lost if Proposition 90 is approved.
Therefore, VCHP urges you to vote no on this proposition.
—Hugh Oliver, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:37 AM
Homelessness an issue
Here in Ventura County, 1,000 men, women and children are homeless each night. It is estimated that:
— One-third have become homeless due to the high cost of living here.
— One-third have become homeless after being discharged from prisons, jails and hospitals.
— One-third are single individuals who are chronically homeless and are likely to have a permanent disability that makes them unemployable.
The Ventura County Homeless and Housing Coalition is a collaborative of housing and service providers, faith communities, businesses and local government. We support the strategies and goals of the 10-year plan to end homelessness in our county and its 10 cities. In order to achieve this goal, we need to create:
— 300 units of permanent affordable housing for extremely and very low-income families and individuals in the next five years.
— At least 50 beds or units of permanent supportive housing for chronic homeless persons annually for the next five years.
— 100 additional shelter beds for individuals living on the streets and who should be required to develop a case management plan with a case manager as a condition to admission.
— 50 additional transitional housing units consisting of 150 to 200 beds to serve families who are living on the streets and who should be required to develop a case management plan with a case manager as a condition to admission.
—10 additional transitional housing safe haven beds for single individuals with disabilities.
Accomplishing each of these will require the passage of Proposition 1C, the Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006, and we, as an organization, have formally endorsed it.
Proposition 1C will provide emergency shelters for battered women, affordable homes for seniors and former foster youth, and shelters with social services for homeless families. It will do all of this within existing resources and without raising taxes. The measure contains strict oversight provisions, including a limit on overhead expenses and independent audits to ensure that funds are spent properly.
Please vote yes on 1C on Tuesday. By helping those in need, it will help all of us.
— Dan Hardy, Vice president, Ventura County Housing and Homeless Coalition
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:20 AM
1C helps the vulnerable
Californians have a rare opportunity this year to cast a vote to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of the Golden State’s most vulnerable people.
Proposition 1C, the Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act, will provide shelter to homeless families, victims of domestic violence, low-income seniors and others in need of safe and affordable housing.
More than 360,000 people are homeless in California every night. Last year, 5,100 battered women and their children were turned away from domestic violence shelters that were full.
Proposition 1C won’t end California’s housing crisis overnight, but it will lay the foundation for a future where chronic homelessness is a distant memory and victims of domestic violence can find safe shelters where their attackers can’t harm them.
The measure is not a new tax and will be funded out of existing resources without raising taxes. It includes strict oversight protections, including independent audits and a limit on administrative expenses and has been endorsed by the California Chamber of Commerce.
Under Proposition1C, seniors will have safe and decent places to live. Youth who emancipate from foster care at age 18 will have stable homes while they take their first steps toward self-sufficiency. Proposition 1C will ensure people with disabilities do not end up homeless, but instead have affordable homes, stability and independence.
Proposition 1C also paves the way for Ventura County residents to enable the production of affordable housing options for working families such as Hacienda Guadalupe, a 26-unit condominium complex being built in downtown Oxnard that will open next year.
Please cast a ballot for a better California by voting yes on Proposition 1C on Tuesday.
— Rodney Fernandez, Executive director, Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.,
Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:12 AM
Just vote no
Here we go again. Every election since the beginning of time has dealt with taxes and power. There is nothing we can do about those fools who want power. However, we do have the tool to tell them what to do with their tax increases.
It’s funny how it’s even an issue among the voters. Here are three absolute facts about taxes that everyone should be able to figure out:
— Rather than making their budget work, politicians will always ask for more.
— The increases that they do get almost never go toward the purpose that it was intended.
— When you tax companies and corporations, they merely pass it on to the customers they serve! That would be you and me, folks!
Now, does anyone actually believe that Ventura’s Measure P6 will make it easier to find a cop when you need one? Or that gouging smokers is going to make them stop? Or that taxing the oil companies is not going to increase the cost of gasoline?
Please, get real! Voters guide word: no. Remember it when you vote.
— Michael Thames, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:04 AM
Stop ‘Big Abortion’
Who should decide if a pregnant minor girl should have an abortion? The minor girl, of course.
Who should advise this child whether she should have an abortion? Surely, it is not the school employees who should advise this child! It is an absurdity that the abortion industry would be her adviser. It is a conflict of interest that corporate Big Abortion could increase their wealth by guiding this child into an abortion. No, let us make certain that Big Abortion stays out of this equation.
Who, then? Of course, the answer is the persons who know this child and are guiding her future: her parents.
So why the full-out effort by the abortion industry to defeat this logical initiative? Why has Big Abortion rallied their paid troops? Greed! Big Abortion accumulates millions of dollars, and they are not only unwilling to reduce it one dollar, they have a fear that restrictions on abortion will reduce their bottom line. Their profit forecast is firm, and their plan is to increase it. That plan is based on numbing the people into accepting that there is not a life to be ended via abortion.
In the abortion process, as in most industrial processes, there is a byproduct that is a liability that needs to be taken care of. That byproduct needs to be disposed of by burying it, environmentally burning it, or, in the best of all worlds, finding a use for it. Big Abortion has found that the residue from an abortion can be used or sold for additional profit. The plan is to convince the public that an abortion is a normal event, not an abnormal event.
Proposition 85 makes an abortion important, not a frivolous occurrence — something that needs some thought and needs a decision process.
— Fran Jansen, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:00 AM
McPherson well-respected
Bruce McPherson deserves to be elected as secretary of state. When appointed, he had 100 percent support from both houses of the Legislature. Obviously, he is well respected. This is basically a nonpartisan office. His major responsibility is to oversee elections. He has done a good job. Elect Bruce McPherson.
— Jack Brewer, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:55 AM
Higher perch for Van Dam
I would be remiss if I did not publicly support Mark Van Dam for the position of city councilman of Moorpark!
I am the band/choral director at Mesa Verde Middle School, and I have had the luck and pleasure of having Mr. Van Dam as my booster club president for going on three years. He spearheaded a group of amazing parents who reorganized and revitalized the booster club, which is imperative to operate the music program at Mesa and had been previously collapsed. Because of his leadership, ideas and follow-through, the Mesa Music Boosters raise an annual budget of $16,000 for the program that serves more than 150 music students as well as the school and neighborhood community.
Mark is by far one of the hardest-working people I know, and he is a man with a vision. His heart and soul are directed toward making a difference in his community for the sake of his family and his neighbors. He is always looking for ways to improve things, ways to be involved, and ideas to get things done — key words: "get things done." When Mark is in charge, things happen, change occurs, if necessary, and tasks are accomplished quickly.
I don't live in Moorpark so I can't vote, but I consider myself part of this community because this is where I teach. I am someone who has worked directly with Mark and been witness to his leadership skills and vision. Because of him, my music program is flourishing, and kids are reaping the benefits. I would highly encourage all of Moorpark to vote for Mark Van Dam. I would love to see what he could do given a higher perch to lead from! I think we would all benefit greatly!
— Samantha Blake, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:47 AM
Moorpark needs Van Dam
Tuesday, vote for Mark Van Dam and Janice Parvin for Moorpark City Council.
Much has been written about Janice, so I hope to tell you a little about Mark.
Mark was a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff for 10 years. At the end of his career, he chased a suspect trying to evade arrest. During the chase, he severely injured his knee and had to go off duty. After six surgeries, he medically retired from the force.
Mark and I have served on the board of directors for the Serenata Homeowners Association for the last three years. Mark is the president this year. Serving on the board with him has shown me what an asset he will be as your newest councilman. Mark is the guy who takes the time to go out and visit with a homeowner face to face. He’s the guy who will engage in neighborhood “shuttle diplomacy” when two homeowners have a disagreement. This is a hands-on guy that you want on your City Council.
Mark has served this city for the last two years on the Parks and Recreation Commission, last year as chairman. Mark also is active with the Mesa Verde Middle School band program. Mark cares about the children in the community and has worked to improve the quality of our schools, parks and play areas.
Why vote for Mark? Because he gave of himself as a deputy sheriff to protect your public safety, and because he cares about education and our kids. Because he works hard when he sits on a board and tackles problems firsthand. Because he cares about our city and has the skills to work hand-in-hand with City Council. This is the guy we need on our City Council. Vote for Mark Van Dam on Tuesday.
And vote for Janice, too.
— Doug Ridley, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:42 AM
Follow the money
Re: your Oct. 26 article, “Gaming tribes aid Stricklands”:
The headline told the story in just four words.
Reading on, I discovered that both Tony and Audra Strickland — candidates for state controller and the 37th Assembly District, respectively, who profess to be fiscal conservatives and a repository of family values — just can't say no when it comes to the color green ($1 million of the little greenbacks, in fact).
Can't they win their respective seats on their own merits? Apparently not. Ferial Masry, Audra's opponent, who received the endorsement of The Star, and John Chiang, eminently qualified for the job of state controller through education and his experience on the Board of Equalization, must be making the Indian gambling interests in California uneasy.
When voters cast their ballots Tuesday, they need to remember these three words: Follow the money! We want to be able to trust our state and local officials. A vote for John Chiang and Ferial Masry — and a yes vote on Proposition 89 to limit independent expenditures to $1,000 per year — is a good start.
— Sharon L. Hillbrant, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:37 AM
No time for average citizen
Re: your Oct. 26 editorial, “Ferial Masry for 37th Assembly”:
Although I often disagree with The Star’s editorial opinions and endorsements, I am pleased to see it supports Ferial Masry for the 37th Assembly District.
Unfortunately, Audra Strickland’s “string of accomplishments” is rather shallow, and her neoconservative views are neither what the state nor the nation needs at the moment. I am also quite concerned about the significant financial support she and her husband have received from Indian gaming. Such contributions cannot help but wield some influence that may not be in the majority’s best interest.
Over the past two years, I sent correspondence to Ms. Strickland on three occasions. I never received the courtesy of a reply. It is pretty clear to me that her priorities are not the average citizen.
— David B. Shepard, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:32 AM
Don’t support tribes
Re: your Oct. 26 article, “Gaming tribes aid Stricklands”:
I see that the gaming tribes are using their massive funds to back the campaigns of Tony and Audra Strickland. And, of course, these family-values Republicans welcome the money.
One of my biggest political mistakes was voting for Indian gaming. The tribes were supposed to share the money with the poor tribes that didn't have casinos. That didn't happen, and, in fact, several of the gaming tribes have heartlessly kicked some lifelong members out of their tribes in order to have a bigger share for those members who are in favor. There is no appeal for those kicked out in the cold because our courts have no jurisdiction on the Indian land.
We have created a monster schoolyard bully who throws his weight around and influences political outcomes at the expense of the rest of us.
I have not spent one penny in Indian casinos, and I will vote the opposite of whomever and whatever they back with their millions.
— Alex Magdaleno, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:29 AM
Change is needed
Re: your Oct. 26 editorial, “Ferial Masry for 37th Assembly”:
Congratulations on The Star’s recognition of Ferial Masry, a truly intelligent and passionate candidate. She will surely bring a much-needed change to state politics in the 37th Assembly District. I look forward to her victory Tuesday.
— Norm Bauer, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:26 AM
Put children first
Re: Mark B. Webster's Oct. 9 letter, "Unification the only issue":
Mark Webster was correct: The election for Pleasant Valley School District trustees is a one-issue vote. Fortunately, there are still parents, grandparents and voters who understand the real issue: the children.
The current board has a majority of members who have forgotten the children and have focused with a disabling case of tunnel vision on unification. More than $300,000 has been spent on this bogged-down process while the schools suffer the ultimate price.
Tuesday, we have the opportunity to bring the focus back to the children and the schools. By voting for incumbent John Alamillo and Kim Marra Stephenson, we will have a board that will bring back integrity and the interest of the children. Alamillo is a hands-on member who asks the difficult questions, demands sound answers and refuses to be intimidated. I have witnessed Alamillo volunteering at school functions and being an active part of the school system outside the boardroom.
In a school district that cannot even get a K-5 school completed on time, imagine the nightmare should we unify at the wrong time. The reasoning for a bloc vote is flawed. The only body that can bring the issue to a vote is the county Committee on Reorganization or the state Board of Education. Our board can only provide the open checkbook spending that the citizens’ group that started this process has encumbered us with. Should it get to a ballot measure, trustees cannot speak publicly for or against the issue. One thing a "unified" board could do is appeal the action taken by our county committee. After spending $300,000 for local control, I hope they can control themselves.
I hope Camarillo citizens will put emotion aside and vote, as I will, for the two most qualified candidates, Alamillo and Stephenson.
— Julie El-Khoury, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:23 AM
October 30, 2006
Stop picking on smokers
I will be voting against Proposition 86, the smoking tax.
I quit smoking six years ago. Back then, the taxes were already quite high, yet when I wanted to quit, there weren’t any free patches of gum available. I had to quit on my own. One would think that the people who are so down on smokers would make sure that there would be services offered to help smokers quit.
I think that they don’t really want them to quit. They just want the money for whatever pet project they want to fund. The hypocrisy reeks more than the smoke does!
The hospitals are in trouble mainly because the illegal aliens that flock to the emergency rooms are not paying their bills! A number of emergency rooms have closed their doors because of this.
To single out smokers with such an exorbitant tax is unfair and, in my opinion, un-American.
—Linda Dusky, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:15 PM
Couple dedicated to kids
I know Conejo Valley school board candidate John Short from having worked with his wife, Susan, for many years at Lang Ranch Elementary and having two sons play in Thousand Oaks Little League while they were growing up. Not only are both Susan and John dedicated to their children, but they are committed to serving Conejo Valley’s youth by volunteering their time and energy to community services.
Sue has been with Lang Elementary since it opened its doors in 1998. While serving as PTA president for Lang Ranch Elementary while her children attended there, Sue displayed personal commitment to the school and its students by going way beyond the expected criteria as PTA president, and she displays that same enthusiasm as a Lang Ranch employee.
John Short has emulated the same kind of commitment and dedication while serving as president of Thousand Oaks Little League. He has in the past and continues to provide the best coaching and supportive volunteers to train our young ball players. I am convinced that Conejo Valley is a better place due to having John and Susan Short and their children living in Thousand Oaks.
John will strive to represent the concerns of parents and ensure the best care for our children. Vote for a well-known community leader to serve on Conejo Valley’s school board. He will make our schools better for our children!
— Cindy Hartz, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:11 PM
Keep expectations high
The upcoming election is a very important one for the Simi Valley Unified School District. We urge the voters of Simi Valley to elect Thurlow Partridge and Eric Lundstrom to the Simi Valley school board on Nov. 7.
Both candidates have received the endorsement of the teachers of Simi Valley, and both believe in setting high expectations for student behavior and academic achievement. These candidates support strong vocational training as well as academic preparation for college for our high school students. They also believe in the importance of teaching personal responsibility and self-discipline. It is our hope that the people of Simi Valley will recognize the importance of casting their votes for Eric Lundstrom and Thurlow Partridge.
— Sally Kitzmann, Teacher at Hollow Hills Fundamental School, Simi Valley
(This letter was signed by seven other teachers. – Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:03 PM
Asset to local parks
I am writing in support of Jim Meredith for re-election to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board.
I have had the pleasure of working with Jim for the past six years on local and statewide issues relating to parks, recreation and open space. I can tell you firsthand how hard Jim works on behalf of the constituents he serves.
Jim Meredith is a true asset to the community and the parks and recreation field. I have been honored to work with Jim and call him a friend, and he has earned our support for re-election.
I urge you to vote for Jim Meredith for the park board on Nov. 7.
— Keith S. Richman, M.D., Assemblyman, 38th District, Granada Hills
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:00 PM
Is anyone worth a vote?
As a 25-year-plus resident of Thousand Oaks and a voter, it is pathetic to see candidates making false promises and sound bites to get elected.
What's particularly appalling is the "letter-writing assault." People believe the best way to get elected in Thousand Oaks is to send a letter to the local papers and assert why you should or shouldn't vote for a particular candidate. For the most part, the letter writer either supports the candidate or does not. Who cares?
Candidates should run on their qualifications and clearly outline why they are the best candidate. Yes, experience matters. If elected to the City Council, one's ability to be a problem solver and articulate the issues at hand is critical.
Policy decisions can be very complicated and convoluted. A City Council member cannot compromise sound policy decisions in favor of his or her constituency. This is a breach of fiduciary duty.
More importantly, the voter should ask: Why should I vote at all for a candidate?
A caveat: There is no one in the city who feels public safety isn't a priority or that the general plan should be violated. This is a silly platform and belies political logic.
This is the first time, as a voter in Thousand Oaks, that I don't know if any of the candidates are worth a vote. The alternative would be to write my name on the ballot instead of voting for anyone.
None of the candidates has really discussed the issues, which are generally common-sense issues, such as where will additional revenue sources be tapped.
This is not an endorsement, but it appears Andy Fox and Dennis Gillette will retain their council seats. The remaining seven candidates will contest the remaining seat. Louis Masry has game.
— Ramaul Rush, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:56 PM
Parental right vs. a life
Re: Dorothy Hage’s Oct. 23 letter, “Proposition unarguable”:
Hage's spin on Proposition 85 defies logic. A decent civilized society does not pass legislation that drives pregnant minors into the hands of illegal abortionists.
Read about Becky Bell, from a near perfect home http://www.ms4c.org/update/598bell.htm. Use your online browser to look up Spring Adams in Idaho.
It is crucial to the welfare of the daughter, the family and the nation that each parent provides an environment that fosters open, healthy communication about sexuality and pregnancy.
Hage defines a young woman's pregnancy as a crime and the products of conception as "evidence of a crime.” Why would any young vulnerable pregnant girl want to tell on a boyfriend she is in love with?
I do not understand a reference to "open season" on young girls. It is not necessary for a girl to become pregnant before charges can be filed against a sexual predator. In fact, to wait until a girl becomes pregnant to report this crime is criminal.
Passing Proposition 85 will give the state more control over the lives of our youth, contrary to Hage's statement.
Passing Proposition 85 will not teach males to behave in a responsible manner. It will create another class of criminals in our correctional facilities. It is past time to have education about responsible sex and contraception in our schools for boys and girls.
It is more important to me that my own daughter have access to a clean, safe abortion and grow up, than that that I be informed and have her choose to have an illegal abortion. My parental right is not as important to me as her life.
Do not forget that each pregnant girl is a human life also. There is no heart, no compassion, no love in legislation. Vote no on 85.
— Kathy Matthews, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:51 PM
Peskay was anti-North Park
During the last several weeks, many residents have been calling me to ask which Moorpark City Council candidates actively worked with me and Mayor Patrick Hunter to help us defeat the North Park housing project in February.
As most of you know, Moorpark residents voted against North Park by a 3-to-1 margin.
There is only one candidate currently running for City Council who worked hard with us and scores of other volunteers to defeat North Park, and that was Bob Peskay.
Besides joining us as a leader in the “No on North Park” campaign, Peskay has many other impressive and outstanding qualities. He has more than 40 years of experience in financial management, is a veteran officer who served in the U.S. Navy, has significant experience leading a vibrant chamber of commerce prior to moving to Moorpark, and has four years experience as a Moorpark planning commissioner.
Peskay is a thoughtful thinker who weighs the pros and cons of issues and realizes that there is not always one simple way to address or solve a problem. He “does his homework” to get at the heart of the issues and will work locally and regionally to try to best address the main issues we face — especially the difficult problem of truck traffic!
Bob also shares the view of many, including me, that we need to keep Moorpark’s small-town, semi-rural charm by growing sensibly but not too fast.
I will welcome whomever is elected and work with them in a professional manner. However, I give my hearty and full endorsement to Bob Peskay.
Please join me in voting for Bob Peskay for Moorpark City Council on Nov. 7.
— Roseann Mikos, Ph.D., Moorpark
(The writer is Moorpark’s mayor pro tem. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:45 PM
College board important
I would like to remind voters of the Ventura County Community College District board of trustees election on the November ballot. This is a race that has not received much publicity but is important for the governance of the local colleges.
Our local community colleges provide a quality education for students, whether they want to complete their general education requirements to transfer to a university or obtain vocational training to enter the labor market. To maintain this quality, it is important that the governing board work together to ensure that resources are directed to instruction and services for students.
As a faculty member at Moorpark College, I recommend the re-election of Cheryl Heitmann to the board. In the four years since she was first elected, Cheryl has consistently made herself available to all constituencies. She has worked to control non-student related costs to the district, she has advocated to make district policies and finances more transparent and she has worked to improve the relations between the board, administrators, faculty and staff. This has not been an easy job given the budgetary issues the district has had to deal with.
Cheryl has demonstrated her commitment to the education of the adult students in our county. And, she has the experience to provide the necessary leadership that our colleges need over the next four years.
I urge you to vote in this important race.
— Marie Panec, Oak Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:38 PM
Simi educators endorse 4
After four nights of interviews, the Simi Educators Association selected to endorse Thurlow Partridge and Eric Lundstrom for the Simi Valley school board, Donna Prenta for the Ventura County Board of Education and Jim Dantona for Ventura County supervisor.
All of these candidates are dedicated to supporting our students in public schools. They believe in strong partnerships between parents, teachers and students to achieve student success. They stand behind acquiring the latest technology and software to support student academics in the classroom. They all believe in developing the whole child by promoting self-discipline, personal responsibility and respect for others. They want to ensure that students graduate ready for college or career.
— Dayle Gillick, Teacher and President of Simi Educators Association, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:33 PM
Education’s many facets
I am writing this letter to strongly encourage readers to vote for Donna Prenta for Ventura County Board of Education. Her remarkable energy and enthusiasm, as well as her creative, out-of-the-box collaborative approach to problem-solving, are all directed towards enhancing opportunities for school-age children.
Donna Prenta would be a valuable asset to the board because she truly understands that every child's learning needs are unique. She has first-hand experience with the full range of educational choices in Ventura County, including Gifted and Talented Education, special education programs and all types of regular education options. In my 20 years as an educator, I have rarely come across such a powerful mix of advocacy, good ideas, and the drive to work hard for the benefit of other people's children.
— Jacqui Meisel, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:27 PM
Blame Gallegly some more
Re: Deroy Murdock’s Oct. 24 commentary, “Bush’s message to Republicans: Time to get with it”:
I smiled as I read this column about how the Dow Jones has hit record territory, how unemployment is at a five-year low, how inflation is only 2.1 percent and how America has not been attacked by terrorists since that terrible day in 2001 — and how all this good news was the Republicans' fault.
I smiled because I keep reading letters from do-nothing Democrats who are accusing Rep. Elton Gallegly of being a party to the burgeoning economy and war against terrorists — as if that's a bad thing.
Mr. Murdock also correctly pointed out that Congress still has its work cut out for it when it returns. That being the case, I plan to vote to return Gallegly to Congress. Then I plan to blame him for all the good he does in the next two years.
— Magda Venter, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:22 PM
Council needs fresh face
We are writing this letter in support of David Schlangen, candidate for Camarillo City Council.
We have known David since we arrived in Camarillo in 1979, and he is a young man of exceptional character and talent. David has lived in Camarillo for 31 years. He progressed through our city’s school system and went on to UC Santa Barbara, where he graduated in 1995. He now is employed at Amgen.
We believe David’s business experience and project management skills will be a valuable asset to the City Council. Perhaps more importantly, we believe David ably represents the next generation of young residents who will embrace progress in our community while also retaining its important qualities and distinctions.
As Camarillo continues to grow, David will address the needs of the city in a fiscally conservative way. He would like to dedicate more areas as green space and parks, and he will implement projects to improve the infrastructure of the city. He would like to increase communication with the local school board, as well as with our growing university. He will insure an adequate number of police patrol our streets to make them safer, reducing crime, drugs and graffiti. Most importantly, by his presence on the City Council, he will influence more participation by our eligible young voters.
We believe David will bring a fresh, new perspective to the City Council. The incumbents have served multiple terms, some having served since the 1980s. While the current council members have improved our city, we believe a representative from the younger generation would bring a perspective that is important to our city as it grows and changes into a university town.
We ask that you join us in voting for David Schlangen for City Council on Nov. 7.
— Katie & Ken Lee, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:18 PM
Kids need city’s help
As a parent of a Camarillo High School student and an active member in the Pleasant Valley school system, I feel we need a fresh perspective at City Hall.
Many issues come before our City Council, but few are as important as our kids’ education. A strong education system maintains our housing values, attracts business and lowers crime.
Bob Taylor believes that schools are not just a state responsibility; they are a local one, too. While nearby cities provide significant financial support to their schools, Camarillo has not. This shows in the problems our district faces today. Bob has responded to our kids’ needs by donating thousands yearly and by serving as president of the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation for two terms to raise tens of thousands more. It is time our City Council has such a commitment.
Bob Taylor has a vision of Camarillo residents working closely together to support each other. The Buy-Cam campaign he started as chairman of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce is an example. If our residents made just 10 percent more of their purchases locally, our city would have funds for many desirable improvement projects.
Bob would also like to see the different districts of our city work together more proactively. Our current City Council considers the 55-acre dust bowl in Village at the Park a success. However, our Recreation and Parks District lacks funds to develop the park. Bob hopes that better communication between the city and its districts will provide better planning and prevent such fiascos in the future.
Bob’s work ethic is laudable, and his commitment to our community is genuine and tireless. He leads by example, rarely takes credit and inspires those around him to join in the cause. That’s why he gets my vote for City Council.
— Keli Kimball, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:12 PM
Holden on right track
The re-election of Tom Holden as mayor of Oxnard is critical to the well-being of our community. Through his leadership, Holden has implemented effective measures that continue resolving many of our city’s priority issues: safety, affordable housing, employment and the rebuilding of downtown. Most important, he has assured the city retain a healthy, balanced budget.
One of the most difficult issues facing our neighborhoods was and continues to be safety. I admire the way Holden, via strong yet understanding leadership and working with our police chief and various community leaders — even those in opposition — brought about understanding and communication among the various groups. What I admire most is his understanding of people, even those who do not agree with him.
Oxnard is a growing city. Much work remains to be done, such as re-evaluating growth and improving our roads and infrastructure. Holden is the only mayoral candidate who has the experience, proven leadership and communication skills to accomplish these huge tasks. I strongly encourage voting for the re-election of Mayor Tom Holden.
— Lupe Anguiano, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:07 PM
Ethics, above all
With all the corruption scandals rocking the nation's capital, one would expect candidates for public office to be especially mindful of ethical issues this season. Unfortunately, two Republicans from our area don't seem to understand that appearances and ethics matter.
First, we found out that Audra and Tony Strickland were essentially trading campaign funds, writing big checks from their campaign accounts to the each other’s campaign accounts under some sort of "consulting" arrangement. An official investigation was triggered because of significant questions of legality and ethics.
Now, we find out that Tony and Audra are benefiting from enormous expenditures, to the tune of $1 million, from gambling tribes. When questioned about this windfall, Audra replied she was "just pleased." She's running for a powerful position where she will vote on bills that directly impact Indian gambling. Just what votes do the tribes expect to get from her for that kind of money?
Much the same could be said to hubby Tony, who wants to control California's checkbook. What influence are the tribes hoping to buy with all that campaign cash?
Lastly comes the issue of improper influence of another sort in our local school board election, a race that is supposed to be nonpartisan. Recent communications in this campaign list the Republican Party, and very prominently the Stricklands, as endorsing three candidates. The Stricklands, and the Republican Party, should not be politicizing this race. Voters need to make the best choices for our schools and our kids. We don't need endorsements from the apparently ethically challenged.
If you want integrity in California's government, vote for John Chiang for state controller and Ferial Masry for state Assembly. For the Conejo Valley Unified School District board, vote for excellence with Pat Phelps, Tim Stephens and Peggy Buckles.
— Dorothy Roth, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:00 PM
District can do more
Interesting fact: The decision to put unification to a vote resides with our county or state, not the Pleasant Valley School District board.
Letters demanding that we need board members who will put unification to a vote are simply out of touch with reality. The county or state will decide if the criteria for unification have been met before allowing Camarillo to vote on it. The PVSD board has nothing to do with this process.
Still, Jennifer Miller, Ron Speakman and Patty Lerner supporters attack Kim Marra Stephenson and John Alamillo on the false grounds they oppose unification. Unification flag-waving is emotionally divisive. It provides cover for candidates with no real solutions and for board members whose records are unimpressive. What has the Speakman-Miller-Sandra Berg majority actually accomplished over the last eight-plus years?
— Most of our schools have standardized test scores below similar demographic schools.
— Our employees are some of the worst paid in the area.
— Our school programs have been stripped to the bone.
All Speakman, Miller and Lerner can say is: Vote for unification, and we'll get $6 million and local control. Six million dollars is barely enough to cover the salaries of the high school teachers we'll take on with unification. Local control means local costs. None of them has committed to running for the new K-12 school board formed if unification passes.
Our current board majority has failed and needs to be broken up. Speakman, Miller and Lerner are simply hiding behind unification, with no real plans to address the needs of our K-8 schools and no way to affect the unification outcome any differently than they could as individuals. A vote for them means more of the same posturing on the board. Stephenson and Alamillo see through this, and they have my support.
— Danielle Vachon, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:49 AM
New school held ransom
I support three local candidates running for the Pleasant Valley School Board: Patty Lerner, Ron Speakman and Jennifer Miller. I have been involved with schools in Camarillo for the last 16 years. I have served on various school site councils at four local schools. I have served on local PTA boards 14 of those 16 years. I have watched hundreds of school board meetings. I have attended Oxnard Union High School District board meetings to be informed about things going on in our local high school.
I have listened to the promises from OUHSD during the last two bonds measures — which we passed — telling us the next high school built would be in Camarillo. Property was purchased in Camarillo with a promise to build a new high school. Why purchase land to sit on and wait? The OUHSD attorney promised us a school would be built immediately and that unification was not a factor in the timing of construction during meetings leading up to the passage of bond Measure H.
We have passed two such bonds. The new Camarillo high school is being held ransom by OUHSD until the unification issue is resolved. Why, when we have passed the bond to build the new high school in Camarillo, must unification be resolved before the new school is built? Where will this money be spent if Camarillo chooses to unify?
I say it is time to let the Camarillo voters vote on the unification issue, before more bonds are passed and more of our tax dollars are spent out of our community. I believe the only way to help that happen is to vote for candidates who are committed to making unification happen. I again encourage you to cast your vote for Lerner, Speakman and Miller. If not now, when?
— Tari Loomis, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:44 AM
Fund K-8 schools now
At this year's Back to School Night at Los Primeros Structured School, in almost every classroom I went to, the teachers requested the parents' help with the purchase of classroom supplies. These requests were for items as basic as copy machine paper. I recently learned from a teacher that there is a new mandatory social studies curriculum that is DVD-based and that only two classrooms at Los Primeros have DVD players. One was donated by a family, and the other is a teacher's personal DVD player.
The Pleasant Valley School District board is currently focused on the unification issue. Ron Speakman, Jennifer Miller and Sandra Berg have voted to spend more than $300,000 of PVSD money on unification while the district's teachers go without the proper supplies and equipment to do their jobs. Patty Lerner wants to join this group to push their pro-unification agenda with taxpayer money that is supposed to be used for our K-8 students.
I have no problem with their stance on unification. However, I am firmly against the use of PVSD funds to pay for this effort that should be financed by those in favor of unification. To spend this much money on unification while district teachers have to ask parents for donations or use their own money is not right.
John Alamillo has fought against the excessive use of district funds for unification, and Kim Marra Stephenson is an independent, well-informed educator. They both have children in the PVSD and will make what is in the best interest of our K-8 students a priority. If you want PVSD money spent on PVSD students and teachers, then the choice is clear. Pleasant Valley School District funds should be used within our district and not for someone's political agenda.
— Bob Garcia, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:39 AM
No unification yet
As a 41-year resident of Camarillo, I am writing to remind voters that the upcoming election for the Pleasant Valley School District board of trustees is to elect board members who will be responsible for running the current K-8 district. The district is not a unified district at this time, and board members should not be acting as if it is or soon will be. They should have only one agenda, and that is to ensure our K-8 students are receiving the best education possible under existing district policies.
The money that has been spent on the issue of unification during the past several years by the PVSD school board is, in my opinion, money not well spent. More than $300,000 has been spent, not including staff hours, on unification so far. I feel that if organizations such as Camarillo Unified want to fund this proposal, then let them raise the funds to do so. This way, money will not be taken away from the current K-8 students attending the district.
I currently have two children attending a school in the PVSD. My wife and I work tirelessly raising funds for the betterment of our school. I feel it is a slap in the face to watch our board throw away money when it could be used to obtain computers, playground equipment, supplies and other necessary items that the schools do not currently have.
Please join me in supporting the re-election of current board member John Alamillo and the election of Kim Marra Stephenson. These two candidates will get us back on track and make sure that district money is being spent for the good of our children.
— Jeremy Resnik, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:34 AM
Ready for the board
I attended the forum held for the Pleasant Valley School District board candidates. Kim Marra Stephenson and John Alamillo are clearly the two who will do the best for our students.
Stephenson, a teacher with an impressive background and with a child attending one of our schools, is prepared to work on all issues in a fair, balanced manner. Alamillo, who is running for re-election, also has children attending our schools. He has proved himself to be a person of integrity. He is always well-prepared for the meetings, asks probing questions and thinks for himself instead of going along with the "pack." Among other things, he will continue to call for financial accountability for district funds.
— Gloria D. Colvin, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:31 AM
Move on to other issues
There are many education issues to deal with in Camarillo — unification just happens to be the most contentious one. I have been hearing about unification since I moved here 16 years ago, and the issue has still not been resolved. No one doubts that the ongoing bickering has cost us precious funds and moved our attention from other important matters. It is foolish think that further delays will change this.
Unification needs to be put to a vote. There are costs and benefits to unification. There are also costs and benefits to keeping the status quo. Delaying the vote just adds costs. After 20 years of discussion, we know what the issues are. Therefore, I cannot support officials who seek further delays in the decision process. It is dividing our community and hurting our children.
We are an educated community that is capable of making decisions. Opponents and proponents alike will have a chance to outline the costs, benefits and concerns about unification during the voting process. Delaying the vote just denies us our right to be part of the process. Whether or not you support unification, you should support a public vote on it.
Patty Lerner is one of the candidates for the Pleasant Valley School District board who supports unification. This doesn’t mean she or the other school board members gets to decide the issue. The citizens decide. She is simply ready to bring the issue to a vote without further costly delays. On the other hand, some of her opponents want to see more planning done toward unification. That is double-speak for further delays and more wasted money. Patty’s position is unambiguous, and that’s why I am supporting her. Let’s get the unification vote behind us and move forward with the outcome.
— Jonathan Novick, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:29 AM
‘Planned path’ not there
I recently received campaign literature from John Alamillo, who is running for re-election to the Pleasant Valley School District board. He stated that he “believes in a planned path to unification.”
I am amazed that John would make such a statement on his campaign literature and Web site. John has openly opposed unification during the last four years as a board trustee and consistently voted against every measure brought before the school board regarding unification. During the recent candidate forum, he stated that we should just wait for Oxnard Union High School District to build a new high school in Camarillo, a “plan” that hasn’t come to fruition in more than four decades. It is interesting to note that while John did not receive any endorsement from the PVSD teachers union, he received a substantial donation from the president of the OUHSD teachers union. It is very evident that John’s “planned path for unification” is to support OUHSD’s desire to keep unification from ever coming to the ballot.
Fortunately for the voters of the PVSD, there are three hard-working individuals running for the board who long ago moved past the planning stage of unification and have a proven track record of support for a unified school district in Camarillo. I urge you to re-elect Ron Speakman and Jennifer Miller to the school board and elect Patty Lerner to replace John Alamillo, an incumbent who will say anything to get a vote.
— Nancy Boyce, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:24 AM
Investigate allegation
Re: Greg Moses’ Oct. 26 letter, “Partridge wrong person”:
I am appalled that The Star has chosen to print a damaging and unsupported allegation against Thurlow Partridge, a candidate for the Simi Valley Unified School District board. The letter writer has chosen to make this allegation at a time too late to prove or refute the charges. Isn't it interesting that Moses would allow decades to pass and then accuse Partridge in a letters forum? The Star should investigate Moses' charges and publish the results before the election.
I suspect that we will find that Moses is playing fast and loose with the truth. For my part, I will judge Partridge on his record as a longtime member of the community and a longtime teacher and mentor of youth in the SVUSD.
As for Moses, the very nature and timing of his charges, not to mention the way in which they have been made, makes him suspect. He should stand up and present his proof to be judged. Failing that, he should keep his silence.
— Stephen M. Galvin, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:14 AM
Short solves problems
John Short will make a wonderful addition to the Conejo Valley Unified School District board. His ties to the area are many, and his service to the youth of the Conejo Valley is exemplary. After graduating from California Lutheran University a number of years ago, he chose to remain in this wonderful valley. Not only did he remain in the area, he became involved in the community.
As president of the Thousand Oaks Little League, he has exhibited his leadership skills — skills that include an ability to get things done while maintaining great relationships with the people he is guiding. He gets along with others and finds solutions to problems. His positive attitude is infectious.
Additionally, his business background would be a welcome addition to the CVUSD board. He already helps manage people’s money in his work-a-day life; I have confidence he would do well supervising CVUSD’s money.
As a retired principal from the CVUSD, I still have a great love for the district. John Short is getting my vote for school board.
— Mike Berger, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:16 AM
Short solves problems
John Short will make a wonderful addition to the Conejo Valley Unified School District board. His ties to the area are many, and his service to the youth of the Conejo Valley is exemplary. After graduating from California Lutheran University a number of years ago, he chose to remain in this wonderful valley. Not only did he remain in the area, he became involved in the community.
As president of the Thousand Oaks Little League, he has exhibited his leadership skills — skills that include an ability to get things done while maintaining great relationships with the people he is guiding. He gets along with others and finds solutions to problems. His positive attitude is infectious.
Additionally, his business background would be a welcome addition to the CVUSD board. He already helps manage people’s money in his work-a-day life; I have confidence he would do well supervising CVUSD’s money.
As a retired principal from the CVUSD, I still have a great love for the district. John Short is getting my vote for school board.
— Mike Berger, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:16 AM
Credentials say it all
I have known Tim Stephens since he joined the staff at Meadows Elementary School in 1983 as the school’s principal. During Stephens’ 14 years at Meadows, I remained part of his exceptional staff, and the years were extremely rewarding for me as a teacher as I grew professionally. Today, I am a master teacher, consultant and have mentored beginning and veteran teachers.
Under Stephens’ leadership, Meadows received the California Top 100 School Award, the California Distinguished School award, and, in 1997, the National Blue Ribbon award. This prestigious award, a first in the Conejo Valley, was a well-deserved acknowledgment and tribute to his excellence as an administrator.
During Stephens’ tenure at Meadows, his leadership brought parents, students and staff together as a unified team that provided a powerful, meaningful child-centered learning environment, which resulted in the above-mentioned awards. He sought always to empower students to become lifelong learners. Today, Meadows maintains its claim to excellence by having earned an Academic Performance Index score in 2006 of 874.
As a school board member, Stephens continues to strive for the best for our children’s education.
Nov. 7, Tim Stephens has my vote, and the vote of my two children, who were fortunate to receive an education at Meadows during his years of great leadership.
—Trish Doerr, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:11 AM
Stop the mayhem
It has come to my attention that school board member Mike Dunn is trying to create discord at Cypress Elementary School. One and a half years ago, our principal, Jennifer Boone, was transferred to another school after being at Cypress for only one year. This decision wasn’t a random transfer, but a well thought-out plan. She has extraordinary talent in her field, and there was a legitimate need for her expertise at another school.
We were sorry to see Boone go, but in her place, we received a terrific, professional and dedicated new principal named Jeanne Valentine. The transfers were smooth and without incident.
We are thrilled to have Valentine. She has enriched Cypress in many ways. The transfer is over and done with. Dunn needs to let it go. He is a troublemaker and should resign before he causes more hurt feelings and unnecessary mayhem.
— Patricia Burrus, Teacher, Cypress Elementary School, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:58 AM
School workers endorse 3
Letters and advertisements creating the impression that the local teachers association controls the school board are far from accurate. These ads, calling us "union bosses," have been purchased to spread propaganda and smear candidates. The Unified Association of Conejo Teachers, California School Employees Association and Conejo Valley Pupil Personnel Association consist of teachers, counselors and school workers who volunteer our time. To call us "union bosses" is absurd.
All candidates were interviewed except Timothy Penix, who declined to participate. All candidates came seeking our financial support and endorsement. Steve Koraly, in a published letter, claimed, "(Michael) Dunn is the only board member who refuses to take money from the teachers union." That is not true. You can't refuse what was not offered.
After much deliberation, the committee endorsed three candidates: Tim Stephens, Pat Phelps and John Short, representing a solid mix of experience, "new blood," education and business experience. Stephens inspires trust with his extensive background in education. Phelps, a systems analyst, is an advocate for parents and students. Short, a financial adviser, demonstrates leadership ability while running a youth organization. They are either past or present parents of children attending Conejo Valley Unified schools. They have the integrity to investigate issues and vote their conscience. There are no guarantees that we will always see eye to eye on every issue, but we feel confident that we will disagree respectfully.
We care about our students, our schools and the truth. This election presents an opportunity to restore civility and integrity to our board. As representatives of our teaching, counseling, and school worker peers, we urge you to support Pat Phelps, Tim Stephens and John Short for the CVUSD board.
— Colleen Briner-Schmidt, Newbury Park
(The letter also was attributed to the endorsement committee representing UACT, CSEA and CVPPA. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:56 AM
Time for Dunn to go
It has been a tumultuous two years for the school board of the Conejo Valley Unified School District. For what has traditionally been a nonpartisan body, Mike Dunn has introduced an extreme version of partisan politics through his limited “either-or,” “black-or-white” way of thinking.
Dunn is notorious for demonstrating his polarized biases. In one recent outrageous leap-of-logic allegation, Dunn said the teachers union “promote[s] homosexuality.” There are more appropriate ways to raise concerns than to continually make irresponsible and inflammatory accusations.
His claim that his peers are “out to destroy me” shows a paranoid, desperate nature. I don’t believe anyone is “out to destroy” Dunn. Rather it is his own actions and invective that have put him at odds with his peers and marred his term as a trustee.
I would like to suggest that voters consider re-electing Tim Stephens and Pat Phelps, and electing for the first time John Short on Nov. 7. Stephens’ and Phelps’ contributions to the board are well documented. Short has been very active in the community, particularly with Thousand Oaks Little League, and he has an impressive list of endorsements, ranging from the mayor of Thousand Oaks to many prominent City Council members.
The students of CVUSD deserve individuals who will uphold the mission statement of the school board: “to meet the academic, cultural, social and individual needs of students in order to prepare them to make a meaningful contribution to a democratic society.” Clearly, Stephens, Phelps and Short are the best choices to do that.
— Dave Dolnick, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:49 AM
Move district forward
The Conejo Valley Unified School District is in the top 10 percent of all schools in the state, with 26 California Distinguished Schools and nine National Blue Ribbon Schools. Our Academic Performance Index scores average 846. We attribute our success to fine teachers, caring parents and a school board that works hard to ensure our children obtain the best education possible.
Nov. 7, this community will elect three school board members. We hope you choose candidates who will work to prepare our children to be active, participating members of our adult society: Pat Phelps, Tim Stephens and John Short.
Pat and Tim have been members of the board for eight years and have participated in moving the district from good to great. During their tenure, we have modernized our schools using $119 million in bond money and state grants. In partnership with the city, we have built three state-of-the-art football fields. We have built a new Sycamore Canyon Middle School and are building a gym there.
John has lived in this community for 11 years. He is the parent of two children in the district. He has participated in Parent Teacher Association, spoken during school career days and taught a finance class in one of our high schools. He has spent the last 19 years working with kids. The last five years he has been president of Thousand Oaks Little League. His experience as a financial consultant will be an asset to the district.
We need board members who believe in educating our children and who can bring harmony and teamwork to this district. We need board members willing to take time to learn new ideas that can help our children function in this global economy.
Pat, Tim and John are the best candidates to move this district forward.
—Delores Didio, Vice president
—Dorothy Beaubien, Clerk
CVUSD Board of Education, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:40 AM
October 27, 2006
Independent thinkers needed
Councilwoman Claudia Bill-de la Peña and Planning Commissioner Janet Wall are smart, independent leaders who are not afraid to say no to big developers. Claudia and Janet have a proven record against overdevelopment proposals that bring more traffic and longer commutes to Conejo Valley residents.
Vote for the two candidates who are also truly dedicated to completing the ring of green around the City of Thousand Oaks. Vote for Claudia Bill-de la Peña and Janet Wall!
— Mary E. Wiesbrock, Agoura Hills
(The writer is chair of the Save Open Space/Santa Monica Mountains. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:36 PM
Schools need Short
John Short is a proven leader in the community. Not only is he respected in Thousand Oaks, but also throughout Ventura County.
John Short has been involved with Thousand Oaks Little League for the past 10 years and has served as league president for the past five years.
As the Little League administrator for District 13, I have seen firsthand how John Short oversees the operation of Thousand Oaks Little League and the well-being of each and every one in the league. Leading by example, he makes sure that not only do the kids receive an education in baseball skills, but also an education in sportsmanship, teamwork, self-esteem and self-worth.
This is why I know John Short is the best candidate for the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow.
Elect John Short for the Conejo Valley Unified School District board.
— Tony Hernandez, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:33 PM
Wilson always helpful
This coming election is very important to me. I've lived in the community for more than 25 years and have known Bob Wilson for 17 of those years. He and his wife, Linda, are the most generous people I know. Every year, St. Paschal Baylon Church has a fundraiser, and Bob is very generous with his donations from Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant. Linda helped start the American Heart Association chapter in Westlake, and again, every year Bob would generously donate.
Bob has also worked very hard and been a big advocate for our public schools. While he was on the City Council, he became extremely involved in renovating our football fields, swimming pools, track and gynmasiums. My sons were lucky to be able to reap the benefits of Bob's hard work.
— Marianne Acerboni, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:29 PM
Fiscal responsibility needed
Anyone who has lived in Simi Valley or Moorpark for a decent amount of time knows that Jim Dantona is a fiscal car crash. The newspapers have reported often on his two personal bankruptcies, closure of his first lobbying company due to one of the bankruptcies and the massive administrative costs by his nonprofit organization.
We cannot afford a car crash for the County of Ventura. County government has a very limited budget and a considerable amount of costly mandates from the state and federal government. One misstep fiscally could put our county government behind by years.
We need a 4th District supervisor with fiscal know-how, and Dantona most definitely is not it. If he can’t manage his own personal household, he certainly won’t be fiscally responsible to manage our county.
Additionally, we already have four left-leaning spenders on the Board of Supervisors. Why in the world do we need a fifth on a five-person governing panel?
Luckily we have a choice, and that choice is Peter Foy. He started a very successful business from scratch. Unlike his opponent, Foy carries the responsibility of ensuring many employees get paychecks each week. That is a big responsibility to shoulder, but this experience is invaluable for whoever will serve on a board that oversees thousands of employees.
The choice is clear if we want a fiscally sound County of Ventura: Peter Foy for 4th District supervisor.
— Sheryl Lynn Johnson, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:21 PM
Foy’s fresh perspective
Peter Foy is not a politician but rather a solid, respected businessman.
As a non-politician, Foy will bring a fresh, refreshing, healthy approach to solving the problems of our county bureaucracy.
Foy is a first-class, dedicated citizen and family man who cares deeply for our community.
We need Foy on our Board of Supervisors. He listens to what people have to say, has an open mind and will respond with a common-sense approach to our concerns.
Foy is a winner deserving of a strong vote of confidence in his election bid to the Board of Supervisors.
Please join me in voting for Foy on Nov. 7.
— Robert O. Huber, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:17 PM
Veer away from lobbyists
I cannot fathom why communities like Simi Valley and Moorpark would ever support someone who has made a living as a lobbyist. Local residents know better than to trust someone who carries the “L-word” as part of his title.
Make no mistake, Jim Dantona is a lobbyist. He registers with the state as a lobbyist whenever the right corporation dangles dollars in front of him.
This is but one mention on the Web site for the state Fair Political Practices Commission: “Governmental Impact, a lobbying firm in Simi Valley, and its owner and registered lobbyist, Jim Dantona, failed to timely file two quarterly lobbying reports in 1999.”
We don’t need a lobbyist representing residents of the 4th Supervisorial District. Lobbyists cannot be trusted as elected representatives. How possibly can we expect decisions won’t be heavily influenced by past or future clients?
We need a supervisor who has stayed away from government during his career and who has business experience to bring a fresh perspective and ideas to the Board of Supervisors.
That means voting for Peter Foy.
— Bryce W. Eddy, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:14 PM
Harsh stance needed
I received Peter Foy’s mailer during the primary regarding his stance on illegal immigration. Part of his plan involves an essential audit of county government to stop illegal aliens from receiving benefits. While this may seem harsh, I feel that we cannot issue a “blank check” to illegals at the expense of our own residents. I’m certainly not suggesting that emergency care be denied to immigrants; however, something must be done to stem the tide of costs incurred throughout Ventura County.
We can’t trust Jim Dantona with this crucial issue. Nothing I’ve seen so far from the Dantona camp leads me to believe he will take the hard stance and go against his Democratic friends and clients. Hopefully, we won’t have to find out.
— Shannon Gauthier, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:08 PM
DiGuiseppe’s got muscle
I have known John Glen DiGuiseppe for more than 10 years, and I have always admired his drive and passion to be successful in everything he does — for example, his dedication to our Neighborhood Watch program. John was not the first person to enhance public safety, but he is the first person that I know of who made it more effective.
This is only one of the many projects that John has worked with to make our beautiful city of Thousand Oaks an even greater place to live. John has spent thousands of volunteer hours supporting the Alliance for the Arts program and various education committees. He is a Thousand Oaks Chamber of Commerce member, a seven-year AYSO youth soccer supporter and a Thousand Oaks Rotarian.
Being John's personal trainer, his dedication to health and fitness has been spectacular, working to the ultimate limits in keeping his body and mind in great shape. John's passion and work ethic is second to none.
We need some new young leadership, and John Glen DiGuiseppe fits the bill. His love and devotion to his beautiful daughter, Bianca, and his honesty, integrity and passion will be a vital force in our community.
So now is the time to accelerate onward and upward in a direction of bringing the city of Thousand Oaks to greater heights. We have the best in John Glen DiGuiseppe. Let’s all vote him in as our new City Council member on Nov. 7. We don't want to lose this one!
— Bill Cunningham, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:04 PM
Elect problem-solvers
I have been a resident of this community for more than 30 years. During that time, I have seen many individuals come and go who have run for the office of Thousand Oaks City Council. Many of these persons have been one-issue candidates — individuals who have no idea about the governing process at large or about looking at the big picture.
During that time, one council member has come on the scene who is able to look at the big picture, and that is council member Andy Fox. Andy comes from a broad background and has a large skill-set in problem solving. The city of Thousand Oaks needs council members who can not only focus on the present issues confronting the city, but who can look into the future and see the issues that will confront our city and plan for them. Over and over again, Andy has demonstrated that he is willing and able to confront the tough issues and to be pro-active in finding solutions to them.
Dennis Gillette is another proven problem-solver for our city.
Please join me on Election Day in supporting both of these great candidates.
— Judy St. John, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:50 PM
Fox represents developers
I will not vote for Andy Fox despite the scripted campaign letters in The Star, the big expensive signs and his nonsensical claims that he is slow growth.
Andy Fox is responsible for the rude increase in homes and mini malls all over Thousand Oaks. He represents developers who are waiting in the wings to close the last corridor of open space by building luxury homes south of Potrero Road behind Two Winds Ranch. His participation on the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency has been solely to circumvent the interests of the community and advance the agenda of builders. He was never available for discussions with horse owners regarding the permanent equestrian center, being interested only in the plans that billionaire David Murdock had for the property. Soon, the only open space in the Conejo will be David Murdock's ranch, where they can retire and gleefully count their money.
Investigated by the Grand Jury, Andy Fox has been shown to be downright despicable and cordial only to those who vote goosestep with his agenda.
I will vote for Claudia Bill-de la Peña because she has been a thoughtful analyst on these issues and is the only independent representative of the citizens of the Conejo. She has consistently raised questions and concerns verbalized by members of the community, but since the passing of Ed Masry has been a lonely voice. I hope that this election will chase the Fox out of the henhouse and restore the voice of this city.
— Patti Chiarelli, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:46 PM
Who listens?
Council member Claudia Bill-de la Peña and Planning Commission Chair Janet Wall have consistently voted to uphold the general plan, follow our own laws and maintain their independence and integrity. These are qualifications that separate them from the rest of the pack running for office.
Bill-de la Peña was the only council member who thought the late Ed Masry's replacement should be decided by the voters in an election. Unfortunately, our voices were never heard by Fox and Gillette, as they thought they could get away with appointing a like-minded crony instead of complying with Masry's wishes.
I'm voting for Claudia and Janet, who can't be bought, and who have a proven record of slow growth. I know my voice will always be heard by them.
— Jamie Behar, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:41 PM
They raced to seniors’ aid
Just one year ago, more than 150 seniors residing in a retirement community here in Thousand Oaks were facing shocking rent increases proposed by the new owners. The events were followed by all levels of government and showed the need for state law to protect seniors from unrestrained greed and legal gouging.
I am proud to say that our City Council was united in its concern for the seniors facing this dilemma. In particular, two council members stood out in their response and actions to resolve this situation.
Dennis Gillette was integral in his work to help seniors attend and testify to the Council on Aging, whose broadcast of the meeting allowed the community to witness the tragic effect of these rent increases. He further introduced a measure to direct staff to investigate a possible ordinance that would protect housing for seniors. His response was heartfelt, guiding him to act quickly to stop the loss of seniors forced to leave their homes.
Andy Fox was appointed by the City Council to meet with residents, their families and the owners of the facility. He worked with the owners to create a more reasonable series of rent adjustments, provided residents more time to make arrangements if they still needed to move, phased in the rent increases needed by the owners and guaranteed that the rent would be adjusted annually, thereby providing stability to the seniors living on a fixed income.
I am deeply indebted to Dennis and Andy, who acted quickly to solve this crisis. I truly learned how much they care for the community they serve. I consider them friends and encourage you to re-elect them to our City Council.
— Susan Engler, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:34 PM
Don’t change a thing
I watched the candidates forum hosted by the League of Women Voters on Oct. 19. We all thank the league for its timely and informative presentation. I was very pleased to see nine candidates vying for three council positions! Democracy is alive and well in Thousand Oaks, and my regards to all of them for putting themselves and their ideas out there for the voters to see.
These nine underscore the wonderful town in which we live. By just about any measure — natural beauty, crime, safety, schools, parks, even traffic — we are the envy of most towns in Southern California. Every place has issues to be solved, and I thank the founders of our city for a general plan that has guided us these 40-plus years. The general plan is the blueprint to which all the candidates subscribe.
Unfortunately, we cannot vote for all nine of our fellow citizens running for the council. As I consider my vote, I cannot help but reflect on the candidates who have spent years guiding our town to where it is today. One served first as a police officer on the front lines of public safety, rising to be our councilman and mayor. The other first guided our city as a planning commissioner and then as councilman for the past 12 years. Along the way, both of them have contributed to the community in far too many ways to mention here.
As I consider the future of our town, I cannot help but look toward those whose hands have shaped what we are today. My vote goes for Dennis Gillette and Andy Fox.
— Bob Engler, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:22 PM
‘Slow growth’ meaningless
"Slow growth" has become a meaningless slogan. I see it on campaign signs for City Council candidates in Thousand Oaks who have a notoriously cozy relationship with local property developers.
I also see and hear that Thousand Oaks is in no danger of overdevelopment. Really? We are already approaching gridlock on Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Moorpark Road during business hours. A few more high-density housing projects in the area might just bring traffic to a complete stop.
I do not favor a "no growth" policy. But I also don't believe that business and residential development should outpace development of our city's infrastructure or waste the enviromental resources that make the Conejo Valley such a desirable place to live. And in that, I disagree with the career politicians who currently comprise a majority on our City Council.
Re-electing Claudia Bill-de la Peña and electing Janet Wall to the council would help restore balance and credibility to the "slow growth" agenda.
— Michael C. McCormick, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:18 PM
Safety a ‘no-brainer’
Often promised, but seldom true, are "no-brainer" decisions in life. Voting yes on Measure P6 is one of those few times it's an easy choice. Among the most convincing proofs of the rightness of a yes vote are the feeble excuses offered against this much-needed measure.
I recently read an argument by the leading opponent, Bob Alviani, that "citizens are being intimidated by fear." Gang violence has almost tripled in the past year alone. The 911 calls in Ventura have nearly tripled. Reports of child abuse have shot up. Alviani is right, sort of. I am "afraid" it would be a huge mistake not to increase the number of our police officers and firefighters/paramedics, which has stayed at the same level since 1990, especially when this urgent need is so inexpensive to fund.
Can anyone convincingly argue that a 75-cent increase on a $300 purchase is too much to pay for improving our safety, for increasing our cops on the street by 14, for adding youth programs to prevent gang violence and for providing a dozen more firefighter/paramedics? Talk about a no-brainer.
This measure needs a two-thirds majority. It sure seems to me to be a minuscule price to pay to keep Ventura the ideal place to live, work and raise a family. I'm not a political analyst or expert, but I believe at least two-thirds of us feel that way.
— Terence M. Ragan, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:13 PM
Ongoing training needed
Last November, we came close to losing our home to the School Canyon Fire. We were amazed, and extremely grateful, that no homes were lost in that fire.
The technology and training of the firefighters was evident as planes dropped fire retardant within 50 yards of our home, while firefighters created fire breaks on foot and by bulldozer. We have no doubt that we would have lost our home if not for these efforts.
Training and technology for our fire and police departments requires funding. For these reasons, and many more, we support Measure P6 and believe more funds need to go to public safety now to support more police and firefighters.
We have heard numerous reasons why some people might not want to support this measure, and we understand those concerns. Unfortunately, the opposition does not offer an immediate solution to fund the additional services needed to keep up with Ventura's population growth.
Please think about how important it would be, in the unfortunate event of a true emergency, that you or someone close to you receives immediate help. That urgent moment when you dial 911 is not the time to discover that the Ventura Police and Fire departments are understaffed. Please don't let our emergency call to 911 be our wake-up call. These emergency services and others, such as anti-gang and drug prevention programs for kids, are in jeopardy.
Public safety and emergency services are vital to a healthy community. Let's act and fix the problem before public safety in Ventura is in dire straits. Please join us in voting yes on P6.
— John & Angie Hecht, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:05 PM
P6 has safeguards
Re: Robert J. Alviani's Oct. 2 commentary, "Tax wrong solution for police, fire forces":
After reading Robert Alviani's letter and the Voter Pamphlet argument against Measure P6, I set about learning more about this admittedly important issue concerning provision for public safety and security. The results were quite revealing.
Mr. Alviani’s contention that a suit was filed to "silence their view and ... hide something" was incorrect and disingenuous. Only after the opposition refused to amend misleading and erroneous statements in the argument’s wording was the court petitioned on amending the context of the argument, which it ordered!
The argument's statement that "we will all be giving City Hall, not the Police and Fire departments" the income from this measure for 10 years, is not just misleading, it is false! Provision will be made for depositing all funds into a separate public safety trust fund, detailing a five-year expenditure plan, establishing a citizens oversight committee to ensure that funds are spent as dictated and performing an annual independent audit of all appropriations. Also, the measure expires in 10 years and must be reapproved by the voters.
The suggested sale of some surplus city land would be subject to the limitations of anti-sprawl initiatives and would require a two-thirds majority voter approval.
Following removal of the school resource officers from K-12 schools, expulsions have more than doubled.
Our city is now at additional risk of possible terrorist attacks, for which crisis plans are being formulated. More than 3,200 potential targets have been identified by Homeland Security in California alone!
At 7.25 percent, Ventura now has the state's lowest allowable sales tax, the average being 7.95 percent.
Without Measure P6, Ventura will be hard-pressed to supplement current services, let alone stay abreast of ongoing growth.
Let's not cut off our noses to spite our safety! Vote yes on Measure P6.
— J. Devereaux Leahy, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:58 PM
Believe in our officers
I am urging people I speak with to vote yes on Measure P6, the public safety measure on the local Ventura ballot.
I believe our police and fire chief when I hear them speak, on their off-duty time, about how and why we need this measure. I have seen how well both organizations work in our community, and I want to do my part by supporting this measure to add 11 new firefighters and 14 new police officers to their ranks.
I believe I have educated myself as well as anyone can about both sides of this issue. Some folks just do not believe in any new tax, even this small sales tax of five cents on $20, and it would be hard to convince them otherwise. I would just say that it is taxes that support this democracy, and our quality of life and safety would improve with the passage of this measure.
As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, I am disappointed with the chamber’s decision not to support our emergency responders. I received a letter to vote no on Measure P6 in the same envelope as a Chamber of Commerce press release — to me that it is fairly apparent that they are not supporting police and fire. I will certainly think twice when asked to send in my dues to remain a member next year.
You can always find reasons to justify why you might agree or disagree with any measure or initiative on the ballot. For myself, I trust the members in uniform in our city who put their lives on the line every day who ask you to support Measure P6.
— Dan Long, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:56 PM
Why the GOP is good for us
It appears there is a conspiracy between major media outlets and the Democratic National Committee to steal the Congress this November. The latest October surprise is the so-called page scandal, in which a Republican house member from Florida, Mark Foley, resigns, and House Majority Leader Dennis Hastert is implicated for failing to act sooner.
What is Hastert supposed to do? If he censures Foley, he will be labeled by the media as anti-gay, a bigot and unsuitable for leadership in our culture of "diversity." So he does nothing and is now taking heat for not "protecting" the pages.
There are many issues that are unsatisfying about how the Republicans have handled their six years of power. But if we are really concerned about corruption in politics, let's look at the recent records of the two parties. When a Republican has been accused of corruption or bad behavior, there is accountability — Trent Lott, Bob Livingston, Mark Foley, “Duke” Cunningham, Bob Ney, Tom DeLay — even if they are never convicted. How many Democrats have been held accountable for their corrupt practices? It’s the FBI's fault for finding $100,000 in Rep. William Jefferson's refrigerator. It’s a Republican conspiracy against Sen. Harry Reid's windfall land deal and involvement with a political operative as corrupt as Jack Abramoff.
So having the Republicans in power may actually be good for the country. Every act of impropriety is magnified and scrutinized both by Democrats and Republicans, the corrupt politicians resign and we may, at the end of the day, have a healthier, cleaner federal government.
— Edward Wassell, Fillmore
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:02 PM
Time for a clean sweep
We are at a crossroads, and there are three important choices for us to make come the November election. We cannot afford to leave the existing council in place. If Measure L6 does not pass, we will see another large-scale development proposed for Fagan — one that you will not likely get to vote on.
There is also another measure, K6, which will allow the city to either rehabilitate or build another 150 low-income homes. The measure, if confined to improving existing properties, would certainly be worthwhile, but we need to address the imbalances in our housing stock before considering more low-end units. As former Police Chief Bob Gonzales pointed out, an increase in high-density, low-income infill units will lead to overcrowding, burden city services and increase traffic and safety concerns.
Hopefully, a new council will follow the existing general plan for Fagan, re-examine the plans for the new wastewater treatment plant, postpone excessive buildout of high-density subsidized housing, look at revenue-positive development to attract new services and jobs, avoid further litigation costs fighting ourselves, maintain our architectural and agricultural heritage and bring clean industry to our town. We will also get new council members that will sincerely listen and respond to our concerns.
Please vote for a clean sweep. Vote for Fred Robinson, Ralph Fernandez and Bob Gonzales. All three are well-qualified and committed.
Also, vote yes on Measure L6 and no on Measure K6.
— Lotar Ziesing, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:39 AM
Listening is important
I would like to voice my support for two candidates to the Port Hueneme City Council.
Phil Thomason has shown the ability to listen carefully to his neighbors and provide thoughtful and productive problem-solving. He has taken the time to be involved in community issues, and his contributions have been sage and balanced. He believes that a City Council should be responsive to the community it serves and not the other way around. This bilingual candidate will be a council member who stays in touch with his constituents.
Maricela Morales, the mayor pro-tem, has always demonstrated a welcoming attitude to citizens who have taken the risk of speaking to the council publicly on controversial issues. She doesn’t minimize a citizen’s concerns and makes efforts to ensure she understands the matter brought before the council. She treats all citizen speakers with dignity and respect. We need her continued presence on the City Council.
Please vote Phil Thomason and Maricela Morales to the Port Hueneme City Council.
— Audrey Albert, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:32 AM
Council works hard
I have not seen a more united council in more than 30 years than the current Santa Paula City Council. They and our city manager, Wally Bobkiewicz, take the bull by the horns, study and discuss issues, ask for public input and use that input concurrently with the analyzed documentation of the many reports they review. They work very hard at making it all work for the betterment of all the community.
This council does not shelve issues. They put it on the table, get consultation, have public meetings and go to work at making it happen.
This council does not jump on the horse just with hot issues. They confront these issues every day, talk to community members and make it possible for the community to be informed. They have always made every effort to get public input and, yes, they listen, and they act, not for their glory, but for the betterment of our community.
My vote will be one of support, confidence and appreciation for Mary Ann Krause, Rick Cook and Gabino Aguirre. I ask that you join me so that the current council can continue its excellent leadership. I am asking for your support because they have earned it.
— Anita Pulido, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:26 AM