I’m pleased that the controversy over Brown Act violations has finally been resolved, as has the dispute concerning the mysterious Requests For Proposals (RFPs) to find a new auditing firm for the city.

In both cases the new city council majority (Washburn, Brooks, and Walker) have come out losers. In both cases their repeated public representations have proven to be false. Credit goes to Councilman Steve Conaway for detecting the violations in both cases, ignoring the storm of criticism from his detractors, and maintaining a calm equilibrium throughout this controversy. This shows confident leadership.

I should comment briefly on the Brown Act violations and our District Attorney. As the D.A.’s letter (this week) indicates, reasonable men may differ, as they did here. Mr. McKee’s intervention is greatly appreciated, and I support the work of his organization. However, I also have good reason to support the exemplary integrity of our D.A.’s office because, over the years, that has been my experience. We should be satisfied with the fact that these important issues have been identified and dealt with quickly, fairly, and professionally. Thanks to all who participated in the outcome.

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Now, can the issue of a Piru Charter School be solved quickly and fairly? In my opinion a charter school is an exciting possibility, surely one worthy of a try. Nearly all of the strident objections to the charter I’ve heard are simply not true. I urge those interested in this issue to get the facts – not just wild, unfounded opinion. I think a charter school for Piru would create a golden opportunity for state-wide academic recognition. Let’s give it a chance.