Over the next nine (9) weeks the Gazette will be printing one question a week, which has been given to each of five Fillmore City Council candidates. They have been asked to provide one answer, 250 words or less.

Question #1: How will your inclusion make this a better city council? What personal, business or government experiences qualify you to be a good council candidate?

Patti Walker: With over 30 years experience as a legal assistant and para legal, I have a strong background in research that enables me to quickly review and understand a large amount of information. Of those 30 plus years, I was self-employed for 27, giving me a firm grasp of business needs and functions.

I have been a council member for eight years and am aware and informed on the various issues that Fillmore is facing - budget constraints, economic development challenges, storm water permitting, and FEMA levee certification, for instance. I have prided myself on striving to look for solutions and not dwell on the problem. I work hard to base my decisions on staff reports, research, and testimony at the meetings. I weigh the information keeping in mind what is best for Fillmore as a whole.

I have been a long-time volunteer in the community - First United Methodist Church, Soroptimist International, Fillmore, Friends of the Fillmore Library, Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau, AYSO, and Fillmore Planning Commission.

I am the current Council representative to Ventura Regional Sanitation District, Ventura County Transportation Commission, Vista 126, SB 375 Sustainable Ventura County Compact, Economic Development Collaborative - Ventura County, Film Commission, and Piru Fillmore Veterans Memorial Board. On many of these commissions I hold various seats on sub-committees that directly affect the citizens of Fillmore.

Brian Sipes: I will make the Fillmore City Council better by being able to conduct City business on day one of my term. I have attended more City Council meetings than any other candidate, other than Mayor Patti Walker. I have been consistently more engaged in the problems facing Fillmore and have a better understanding of the issues.

I am qualified to be a good City Council candidate for various reasons. I am a Fillmore native and a co-owner of a small local business. I feel it's important that the Fillmore City Council have representation from a business oriented individual that has the ability to provide solutions for both citizens and the business community.

Being a professional in the field of finance, I have the analytical skills that are needed, so responsible decisions can be made. For years, much of my time has been devoted to City Council meetings as well as subcommittee meetings. I've educated myself so that I am up to speed on all City issues. I am also a long time proactive community volunteer, a graduate of the "Ventura County Citizens Planning Academy", a past Board of Director for the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce (2003-2005), and a local small business owner. I have the skills, commitment and energy to be an effective City Council member.

David Lugo: My name is David Lugo and as a city council member I feel that I can get fellow city council members to think of new ways to reduce cost in the city of Fillmore rather than raising fees and taxing our residents. Other solutions are out there; it may take a fresh set of eyes to find them, I feel I’m that set of eyes. I have been with the Parks and Recreation committee for over 3 years as a commissioner and the Little League President for 4 years. With that I feel I can be a great city council member for the resident of Fillmore.