To the Editor:
I was struck by your assertion that Trump “knows a lot more than anyone else on deck about leadership” I hope you’re wrong, Martin, because if that’s so, we are in a national self-destructive mode of epic proportion. I believe that we have had enough of leadership by chaos, in an administration that cares more about loyalty than competence.
To lead, you have to first understand the objective. Then you have to be able to look inside yourself and understand your own strengths and weaknesses. You don't have to know everything, but you have to know where to find it and have the humility to invite it in. Once the path forward is selected or created and faults in the process are discovered, as they always are, you never ever blame someone else for the defects. As Truman so famously said, "the buck stops here."
Unfortunately, Trump exhibits not one of these qualities. He lacks even a quark of self-knowledge. He is an extremist in all things. He brags about his prowess, but has shown no “leadership talent” beyond cowering the GOP with his self-serving rages. “I alone can fix it” was the first sign that we were in for a nihilistic journey in democracy. No one alone can fix anything involving other human beings, and "leaders" who think they can are the most deluded and dangerous of all.
Last week, Trump endorsed resistance by anti-government domestic terrorists if he loses the election, a statement that not only demonstrates his lack of leadership, but reveals his terrible disdain for the essential principles of this country. He wins, or he will make sure the place is on fire. He is always the aggrieved victim when things go amiss, the tragic object of endless “hoaxes,” “fake news,” “frauds,” "liars" and “haters.” Truman's "buck" is nowhere in sight.
I wish the Democrats had selected a younger candidate. But at this moment in our history, the alternate to Trump has qualities that we urgently need and of which Trump has no trace: an understanding of the benefits and limits of good government, basic honesty, an understanding of the rest of the world, a recognition of the responsibilities of a president toward the American people, the ability to self-reflect, and compassion for the human condition. The only person who can lead by "I, alone," is known as a "despot."
Kelly Scoles
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
This year has brought our nation and the world unprecedented challenges in which we will all feel the ripple effects for possibly generations to come. While the American people are strong and resilient, this pandemic is a whole new unexplored territory which many of us are still coping with and navigating through the rough waters while looking for steady ground of the shore.
Although everything we have learned about life has been turned upside down, we can still count on our American Freedoms and one of the most important is the right to Vote. With election day closing in quickly I wanted to reach out and lend my endorsement for Mark Austin, Tim Holmgren and Ari Larson.
Over the past four years, Mark Austin and Tim Holmgren have been instrumental in keeping the city moving forward with fiscal responsibility, strong leadership and being dedicated to our city. As a team we have increased our reserves, streamlined the permitting process, oversaw the construction of new parks and worked to keep Fillmore safe and clean for residents. Both Mark and Tim have served planning commissioners and understand how to work within the confines of city government, with staff and developers to get projects completed.
I have served on many boards with Ari Larson over the years and she truly cares about this community with her unwavering involvement and fingerprints in so many places. She rightfully named citizen of the year because she cares so very much about Fillmore.
The upheaval of the past year will take further navigation in order for Fillmore to avoid the pitfalls of continued budget cuts and shortfalls that are rampant in surrounding cities. Because of this my vote is going to Mark Austin, Tim Holmgren and Ari Larson as I feel they have the non-partisan ideals, the drive, commitment and understanding of what it takes to be a true leader for Fillmores Future.
I do hope you join me in casting your vote for proven leadership for Mark, Tim and Ari.
Diane McCall, Former Mayor and City Councilwoman

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To the Editor:
Let’s put 2020 behind us by making sound decisions on our ballots and start 2021 off right. The Citizens of Fillmore will best be served if Mark Austin, Tim Holmgren and Ari Larson are elected to the City Council. This will provide stability on the City Council for the next term. Stability matters when it comes to governing a small town. Making the most of our resources is a tough balancing act. Austin, Holmgren and with the addition of Ari Larson as the newest council member will demonstrate they know how to balance a budget, live within their means and will bring fresh perspectives to Fillmore. Austin, Holmgren and Larson will provide leadership, protect public safety and advance city services. I'm voting for experience, not experiment. I'm voting for effective leadership, not "group think". I'm voting for stability not chaos. Austin, Holmgren & Larson will conduct our business with civility and openness. They won’t bankrupt the city with a wild ideological agenda. Austin and Holmgren have brought jobs to Fillmore, built parks, kept city rates down and have been great stewards of the trust we’ve given them. They have been working to revitalize our downtown area. They have approved Affordable Houses that are being built right now. They’ll do a great job again when reelected. Fillmore’s best future is with Austin, Holmgren and Larson. I fully endorse them for Fillmore City Council, so should you.
Steve Conaway

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To the Editor:
I have had the privilege of serving with Mark Austin for several years on the Fillmore Planning Commission, and the pleasure of knowing him much longer than that. He brings a combination of common sense, technical knowledge, and a love of Fillmore to the position of city council member that is simply hard to beat! Fillmore needs folks like Mark to be in the driver’s seat for the next four years, and he has my personal recommendation for that job!
Yours truly,
Vance Johnson

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To the Editor:
We are writing this letter to voice our endorsement of Esther (Sivakami) Taylor and Christina Reyes Villasenor. This election cycle has been an exciting time for our small town. To give residents a choice between numerous candidates is what makes our democracy great. We are endorsing Sivakami Esther and Christina after looking at their platform, we stand behind their views for the future of Fillmore. Their platform includes prioritizing locally owned businesses, an emphasis on equity and inclusivity, more affordable housing for low-income families and senior citizens, the creation of youth and family resources, and an emphasis on environmental stewardship. They are endorsed by numerous Ventura County organizations, which you can read about on their website futurefillmore2020.org. We have seen that these two women are valued community members, who are well educated, informed, and have the life experience to tackle the difficult choices that come with being a council member. They have shown through their campaigning that they are eager and ready to listen to all residents of Fillmore, even when those viewpoints differ from theirs. When elected, they will make themselves available to listen to the needs of constituents. Sivakami Esther and Christina will foster respect and inclusion in our city, by encouraging more citizens to participate and by making everyone feel welcome. We are excited for this upcoming election, and we urge every citizen to vote.
Evaristo Barajas, Ernie Morales, and Manuel Minjares
Former Mayors of Fillmore
Lynn Edmonds
Fillmore City Council Member