To the Editor:
Letter to the Citizens of Fillmore,
I’d like to say thank you to the citizens of Fillmore who have allowed me to represent them on the city council since 2004. It’s been a honor which I’m eternally grateful for.
Now, more than at any other time, citizens need a working city council. If you’ve watched our city council meetings you know what I mean. Fillmore has serious challenges. Facing these challenges will require council members who are informed, willing to work as a body, who are willing to take to the dais without personal agendas, who are capable of making decisions for Fillmore’s best interest as a whole. I stand behind Douglas Tucker, Rick Neal and Manuel Minjares for City Council. They’ve walked neighborhoods, held fundraisers, participated in Questions and Answers and Forums, have stood on street corners waving to people leaving for work. They’ve held voter registration drives, made themselves at Flashes Football Games, AYSO Soccer games, Raiders practices and attended and supported various fundraisers which also support the community. Most importantly they’ve listened to citizen concerns. They look forward to representing the citizens of Fillmore. The decisions they’ll be making will be difficult but I’m confident that they’ll put Fillmore first and in doing so they’ll help solve the problems we now are experiencing as a city. I ask you to elect Tucker, Neal and Minjares to the Fillmore City Council and help return common sense the dais.
Thank you,
Steve Conaway

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To the Editor:
Video Opinion [Press the play button below to view]

Fillmore City Council Mayor Gayle Washburn and Mayor Pro Tem Jamey Brooks Refuse Code of Ethics
Zack Cooper
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
To the residents of Fillmore;
I am writing this letter as an apology to my fellow residents. I made a mistake in voting for one of the two incumbents who are currently running for city council. I like many thought change was coming too fast with the North Fillmore Specific Plan and the waste water plant. So I voted to slow things down a bit. That was a mistake.
During the past four years I have seen this city council squander hundreds of thousands in legal fees (the vast majority from their own doing), lay off many of my friends and neighbors, cut services, and still manage to outspend the past councils. How does this make for running a smooth city? The laid off (and those who left due to a hostile work environment) workers took pride in their jobs and it showed. Today they have been replaced with contractors and new hires (from out of town) who have very little invested in our town.
When residents ask the current council and management what they are going to do to reverse this? The only response is to propose a self imposed tax hike, and closing restrooms in the parks. How does this in any way change what is happening and restore the city to its former glory?
I have made a mistake; I ask the residents for their forgiveness and promise to correct this error in November by voting for Manuel Minjares, Doug Tucker and Rick Neal.
Jose Ocegueda
Lifelong resident

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To the Editor:
Please accept this letter in support of Manuel Minjares. We have known Manuel or Coach Manny, as our children know him, for about six years now. Ever since we saw how Manny treats the kids with respect and in turn the kids and parents love this, we have requested that Manuel be the boys' basketball coach. Manny teaches the kids great basketball skills and goes out of his way to always be fair. The kids do the best they can. Win or lose, we are happy to be on his team. He is always there to work with the team and we are sure he will work with the City Council team as well.
We'll be voting for Manuel Minjares for City Council and hope you will too.
Sincerely,
Mario and Gracie Sanchez

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To the Editor:
Four years ago I edited an Internet blog and was very much supported Gayle Washburn and Jamey Brooks. While I terminated the blog after the 2008 election, I no longer, in good conscience, support my dear friend Gayle Washburn and her close confidant Jamey Brooks.
Claire Kennedy

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To the Editor:
Much has been said about the purpose of Communities Building Together and the various activities we supported in Fillmore. Let me declare and set the record straight, Communities Building Together is an IRS registered 501(c) 4 entity and is governed under IRS rules. CBT was established to raise awareness of and promote good government and pro- business policies in states and municipalities around the country. Primary targets will be communities that have established and promote anti-growth and anti-jobs policies and have track records of financial mismanagement. Communities Building Together will not be endorsing any candidates for office, rather we encourage citizens to become active within their own community and vote their conscience. We are accomplishing our mission though communication and engagement which brings the community together. CBT has sponsored a Community Clean-Up Day where volunteers removed graffiti from highly visible locations. We believe an engaged community is a healthy community. Communities Building Together will be hosting a Political Rally Saturday Nov 3 at City Hall Park beginning at 11:30 AM. We encourage all to come out and talk about the issues Fillmore faces, listen to the candidates and let’s build up Fillmore together.
Respectfully
Roger Campbell, retired Mayor of Fillmore

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To the Editor:
This past Wednesday evening, October 24th, the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce held a Council Candidate Forum where the candidates for City Council were invited to answer questions of interest and concern to Fillmore residents.
One question was regarding adopting a sewer Flow Rate Billing system. Flow Rate Billing has nothing to do with yard or house size. Only winter water consumption. Pay for what you use. Several reasons were given by the candidates as to why they didn't want a fairer and more honest billing system. They seem to like the flat rate. Force everyone to pay for 10 units of water and an unlimited amount of sewer. Even if you only use one of two units of water. If you have lots of money and don't care how other people spend it, maybe this system is OK with you. The current billing system certainly encourages massive waste of a limited natural resource, drinkable, potable water. If you are forced to pay for ten units of water, you just as well use it. The era has ended where the one who is the most wasteful wins.
Many cities across the state and around the country use Flow Rate Sewer Billing based on winter water use. During the winter very little water is used for landscape and garden irrigation. Most of all of the water goes to the sewage treatment plant.
If you went to the gas station to get a couple of gallons of gas for your lawn mower and were told that you must pay for ten gallons, would that be OK? City of Fillmore would think so. That is the way they charge for water-sewer. Fortunately the Department of Weights and Measures checks up on gas stations make sure you get what you pay for. Unfortunately for Fillmore's residents the city seems to have exempted itself from honest billing practices.
For a more honest billing system we need only to look as far as Ventura and how they bill for water and sewer. Visit www.venturawater.net With a few modifications a similar system should be adopted here in Fillmore.
Larry Jennings
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
I attended the Chamber of Commerce forum last Wednesday. I think Fillmore is fortunate that we have seven people who are thoughtful, knowledgeable, and willing to give their time to lead us in this difficult economy. I came away wishing I had more than three votes! I do hope that those who are elected receive our support as they help us move forward.
Susan M. Cuttriss
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
My name is Riston White and I am supporting Gayle Washburn for Fillmore City Council. In my opinion, her core values are a benefit to the Community. She has kept control of the budget in the worst of economic times. I have known Gayle for over 20 years and have found her to be smart, hard working and honest. She has, and will do the best job for Fillmore.
Riston White
Ventura/Colorado

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To the Editor:
I believe in the conscious rights and attributions Tony Strickland stands for. People like Senator Strickland care deeply for Ventura County’s current and future generations of children and young adults. It is a great honor to endorse a man who has true and humble values, but someone who is there for us and is already proceeding with change and courage. Not only has Senator Strickland been in office since he was a young man, but he has proved countless times what a true hero he is, to our communities, and to our kids.
We as the people need a natural born leader, Tony is exactly that. In a day and age where many citizens are without jobs, we must act fast to fix this matter and the only way to do that is electing someone who isn’t afraid of asking the tough questions. With my vote for Mr. Strickland I will not only be embracing a hard working and dedicated man, but I will have helped to make an improvement in my society.
Robert Ryan
Oxnard

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To the Editor:
How many politicians truly serve our interests? I have come to the conclusion that there is at least one: Tony Strickland. Running for the U.S. House of Representatives, Strickland not only passes this critical test, but does so with a record clearly superior to his competition.
Consider Tony’s stance towards the recently approved high speed rail system. He flatly rejected the bill, remarking that “not one job will be created in Ventura County [because of it]. He understood that local taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the pet projects of non-local politicians.
Still not convinced? One look at Tony’s decisions regarding Federal Mortgage Settlement funds should be all you need. Many politicians (Brownley included) attempted to siphon the nearly $400 Million in funds (intended for struggling homeowners) towards pet programs they could tout during election season. Despite the temptation to join his cohorts and improve his reputation, Tony vigorously fought to ensure the funds were properly directed.
I truly believe that Senator Strickland puts constituents first, a refreshing character trait in today’s political climate. Frankly, his record speaks for itself, and while he may not be perfect, Tony is deserving of your vote. Join me in supporting him this November.
Spencer Whitworth
Thousand Oaks

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To the Editor:
As a college student in California's 26th Congressional district, various issues within this election may have a relative impact one way or another on who I vote for to represent us within the House of Representatives, but to be frank, I want to know who can help guarantee me a job come May. At the end of the day, the only candidate I trust with this responsibility is Tony Strickland.
As a current California State Senator, Strickland has done well to make known that he supports tax policy and regulatory measures that will encourage job growth, through both what he says, but also through his actions. By consistently supporting small business growth in California State Legislature, and the encouragement of local development, Strickland has done well, and better that others, to guarantee me a fighting chance during this tough time of economic downturn. Let's do whatever it takes to keep my dream, and the American dream alive by voting for Tony Strickland.
Molly Lowe
Thousand Oaks

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To the Editor:
Latino's are the nations largest ethnic minority. Ventura county alone holds a hispanic population of 40.9%, of which 26% are children under the age of 5. This is why I am appalled by those stating that Latinos are for Julia Brownley.
Julia Brownley voted to cut "Healthy Families", a program providing access to quality healthcare to working poor and their families.
Specifically, "Healthy Families" gives the benefits of health, dental, and vision coverage to children, many of which are a part of the growing Latino community. It is crucial that programs such as the Ventura County Health Care Plan, under "Healthy Families", stay funded in order to benefit and sustain health and well being in our community.
My vote is for Tony Strickland. Tony is a candidate who will stands strong in the fight to reinstate programs such as "Healthy Families"
and truly provide equal access for Latino's and others living in Ventura County, not like his opponent "Out of Townley Brownley".
Margo Olson
Ventura

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To the Editor:
It’s not hard to tell from the debates that neither Governor Romney nor President Obama have ended victoriously. In this election it may simply come down to which can carry an issue best in front of an audience.
Diplomacy in foreign affairs has a large impact to us all. The person who sits in the white house needs the ability to work through a concern smiling brightly in the face of confrontation without surfacing signs of emotion.
Our concern is we have nothing in place to work directly with smaller countries climbing the ladder to develop an operating centrifuge. A centrifuge is a device that can be used to enrich uranium products for the manufacturing of atomic energy.
Our president should be one who can work with our off shore folks productively to move this technology in the right direction. If they succeed we need that person to convince these countries to use this energy wisely and in a manner that adds value to themselves, our neighbors and our friends.
President Obama has done fairly well with confrontation. But, it appears what we see in these debates are various pieces of well written speeches that have been memorized and used nervously over and over when needed out of frustration.
Romney has a slight advantage in diplomacy as he seems more comfortable with answers when challenged. He has the edge to deliver alternate responses on the fly with less hostility.
Joseph Vesalga
Simi Valley

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To the Editor:
I used to be a Democrat. I even worked for Ted Kennedy in Washington, DC during the 1980 primary campaign against Jimmy Carter. Even though I was already in my early 30's I did not know the difference between a Democrat and a Republican. My turning point to becoming a Republican was when a young woman I was working with mentioned that she was upset that the government was not going to pay for her college education. I starting thinking (finally) that I was not brought up that way. I learned that nothing was going to be “given” to me, that I had to work for what I wanted.
During the late 60’s and early 70’s my two brothers and I worked at my parent’s restaurant, and did we work! But after four years of working after school every day (and not getting paid) I was gifted with a brand new Toyota Corolla.
I put myself through community college, then university (and paid back my student loan) but I never insisted that someone give me the education.
We need leaders who will spark the entrepreneurial spirit that is in each of us to help bring this country back. We need Tony Strickland. Join me as I vote for him on November 6.
When we are free to pursue our dreams, then each of us can “give to others” who are unable to care for themselves.
Maggie Murtha
Camarillo

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To the Editor:
TONY STRICKLAND ON WOMEN'S ISSUES
Catherine Jayne
PhD, London School of Economics
There have been some unfair accusations that Tony Strickland has waged a “war against women.” The facts point to the contrary. He authored Jacquelyn’s Bill for newborn screening, and he has fought hard for coverage of digital mammograms.
Strickland is working across the aisle to reinstate Healthy Families, healthcare for working poor and their families. He is committed to repealing Obamacare, which will skyrocket healthcare costs for middle class families and deplete Medicare for our seniors. He has signed the Social Security and Medicare Protection Pledge.
His ideas are what we need to spur job creation for working families. He believes in encouraging local private sector jobs with tax policies and regulatory measures that work with rather than against small businesses and encourage them to invest their profits locally. His idea of tax credits to benefit businesses in ailing economic sectors would spur manufacturing in America. He understands that encouraging all aspects of the energy sector from natural gas to green energy is vital to both job creation and national security.
What women need are security, a healthy economy, jobs and a bright future for America’s children. Tony Strickland has the experience and ideas to drive America and California forward.
Catherine Jayne
Westlake Village

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To the Editor:
As a man in a household of three women, I can not simply stand by the false claims made by Julia Brownley and her campaign against Senator Tony Strickland. Tony Strickland is a crucial representative of Ventura County, a loving husband, and a caring father, advocating progress and equal rights for all including women.
The false claims made about Strickland root straight from extremist partisan leaders such as Nancy Pelosi and her minion Julia Brownley. Brownley is no advocate herself, with ads and campaign literature coming straight off the back of Planned Parenthood. It doesn’t take an MBA to see that Planned Parenthood is a business, endorsing whoever will bring fattest check.
Strickland stands up for woman’s rights, including those of the unborn. Strickland also stands up to provide cost efficient health care to the woman and youth of Ventura County by supporting organizations such as Healthy Families. Strickland is a long time supporter and has assisted organizations such as the Coalition in Support of Family Harmony, previously the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Tony has won my vote, as well as three female advocates all in agreement that we need Strickland for Congress.
Roland Ryf
Ventura

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To the Editor:
As a woman, I am tired of hearing about the “War on Woman” that Republicans are supposedly waging on me. Everyday I hear advertisements on behalf of Democrats telling me about the archaic views of politicians like Richard Mourdock and how I should vote for them because they truly are the defenders of woman.
I can't help but laugh at these false advertisements. If they truly are my “defenders” where were they when I lost my job? Where were they when I got evicted from my home of 12 years? Where were they when I needed help feeding my hungry children?
No where.
Instead of focusing on what I truly needed they were out demagoguing Republicans to make themselves look like the saviors of a woman’s right to “choose.” Newsflash , abortion is NOT the biggest threat to the female population, the lack of opportunity for woman in the job market IS.
In the upcoming elections my concern isn't on foreign policy, immigration, or our national debt. This November I am looking for the person who truly will defend me and aid me in these economic tumultuous times. And after looking at our Congressional candidates I know that that person is Tony Strickland.
His experience in the private sector shows me that he knows what it takes to get people working again. I am confident that under his guidance, our county will see an increase in jobs and a decrease in unemployment. We need his leadership skills both here at home and in our
As a woman and a mother, I support Tony Strickland and with your help I hope that you will join me in electing him to Congress.
Aracely Rodriguez
Ventura

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To the Editor:
Only on Extreme: Julia Brownley
You can not go a day without hearing the phrase “too extreme for Ventura County”. The truth is the only extremist running on this year’s ballot is Assemblywoman Julia Brownley.
Julia Brownley is the epitome of extreme. For one, Brownley left her nearly $1 million condominium in upscale Santa Monica, solely to run here in our beloved Ventura County. During her time as Assemblywoman representing the 41st district, which included areas like Westlake, Port Hueneme, and Oxnard, Brownley chose not to open a single district office in Ventura County. Though her new rental apartment in Oak Park may be nice, it only leaves one to question where her real time is being spent.
As a district with a close divide amongst democrats and republicans, I believe bipartisanship is key. Tony Strickland, voted the second most “Independent Thinker” in the Legislature by Capitol Weekly, will win my vote this November. Strickland has experience representing ALL of Ventura County, and cherishes it enough to live in and raise a family in. Tony Strickland is the opposite of extreme, and the perfect fit for Congress.
Lisa Ryf
Ventura

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To the Editor:
Dog Man Tony
The U.S today employes thousands of canines for a wide range of jobs ranging from the military to helping the disabled. Dogs in the military or police force help sniff out drugs, bombs, guns and dangerous chemicals. They also especially used by they police for search and rescue missions. When the disabled need help, they can turn to dogs for the assistance they need. Dogs can guide the blind or deaf through crowds. They can alert others for help if the person with them has a serious problem. The things they do for us is more thankful, but as much as they help us they need our help too. Many dogs live neglected and abused lives in America. Sometimes living the cruel life of a fight dog. Out of all the reported cases of animal abuse, there are still many cases that that go unreported. We need someone to help save these poor animals and to put there torturous owners to justice. Senator Tony Strickland will be that person.
Tony Strickland, a dog owner himself, has done a lot with helping dogs who are in need. He's co-authored legislation that is in effect today that cracks down on illegal animal fights, increasing fines and possible jail times for people convicted of neglecting animals as well as preventing convicted animal abusers from obtaining animals for a set period of time. Tony has also been a big supporter for dog adoption from shelters. Nothing means more to me in the world than my dog Gabriel and I want to make sure other dogs can have the same life he does with me. This November I'm voting for Senator Tony Strickland for Congress because he knows just how important animals like dogs are to people.
Nicholas W. Duenas
Thousand Oaks