To the Editor:
The Mayor’s Council Candidate answer in the Gazette dated October 14, 2012 is not correct.
The Mayor stated that the City employee’s Letter of No Confidence regarding the City Manager was “given by Rogaer Campbell and that he interfered between the City Manager and employees.” The Letter of No Confidence was written by City Employees and not by Roger Campbell. And, Roger Campbell had no interference between the City Manager and City employees.
The Mayor made reference to the City employee’s poor morale being influenced by the Gazette editorials from the year 2008 to 2009. This is incorrect. The Letter of No Confidence was about poor morale caused by the City Manager’s ill-behavior toward employees during the timeframe of November 2009-September 2010. The Letter of No Confidence had nothing to do with the City Council’s behavior toward City employees or the Gazettes editorials.
Please listen to the letter here: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/city-manager-receives-vote-no-....
The Mayor made a reference that the allegations were unsubstantiated. That’s news to City employees. The employees were not interviewed in the investigation and were never told of the result of the investigation. Please understand that the employees were not making criminal or legal charges against the City Manager. Employees know bad morale is not illegal.
The City Manager and the employees (except two), who signed the letter, are gone and the Letter of No confidence is used as an example of poor morale. The Gazette’s question seemed to be more about how do you build morale.
I wish all the council candidates good luck.
A Former City Employee
(name withheld by request)

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To the Editor:
As the election for Fillmore City Council approaches we believe that exercising our right to vote is one of the most personal and important actions we can engage in as a citizen. Through the democratic process we have the ability to elect candidates who represent our views, who we believe will make decisions on behalf of the entire community and put the community first above all else. To that end we support Manuel Minjares, Rick Neal and Douglas Tucker for Fillmore City Council.
Respectfully,
Brett Chandler
Scott Lee

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To the Editor:
In response to Bert Castel de Oro’s letter to the editor on September 20th I wanted to echo my displeasure with the city council’s lack of leadership regarding the Magellan Survey. It is time for the leadership on the council (and yes I am talking about Brooks and Washburn) to wake-up and learn what it means to be a leader. Leaders don’t have to be popular all the time but they do have to know how to take criticism about their performance (or lack of performance). When we look at leaders throughout history - the good ones are far from perfect. But the one thing the great leaders through history have is the ability to suck it up when someone started brow beating them for their actions (or lack of actions). Having known Rick Neal as part of Search and Rescue, I can vouch for his leadership capabilities. He is well respected among the team for his work ethic and not asking any team member to do something that he would not do. I applaud Rick for running for City Council; the Town of Fillmore will be well served to have him working to make Fillmore a better place.
I am voting Rick Neal for City Council and you should too!
Sincerely,
Steve Cohen

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To the Editor:
To the Community of Fillmore
The challenges facing our town are hurdles not tombstones. We as a community can bridge a path to civic pride, create a diverse economy and improve services for all Fillmore residents. This is a vision that I embrace for the betterment of our community.
There are stark differences of direction that most candidates have expressed. For example, at the League of Women Voters Debate; Sandy Pella, Gayle Washburn and Jamey Brooks are the only candidates that want to reduce the sewer plant operating costs. Pella, Washburn, and Brooks, are committed to this. Remaining silent or by act of denial is not an option. It’s time for genuine leadership.
I’ve been asked by many individuals who I will be endorsing for the three available seats for City Council. My endorsements have been thoroughly researched by credentials that I feel a Council Member should have.
Trustworthiness- Does this individual examine issues based on facts instead of gossip and innuendo?
Integrity- Is this individual “free” of outside special interests? Will he/she vote on issues that will benefit the entire community - instead of a few?
Dedication - Can this individual not only attend Council meetings, are they available to participate in committee and commission meetings?
With that said, I strongly endorse Gayle Washburn,
Jamey Brooks, and Sandy Pella.
The decisions today have lasting consequences. Now is not the time to reverse our local government leadership. Please join me in supporting these fine individuals on
November 6, 2012.
Brian Sipes

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To the Editor:
Four years ago, Gayle Washburn and Jamey Brooks were elected by ‘We the People’. Their code, “Take Back City Hall” has been accomplished.
Gayle and Jamey, worked to make the budget transparent. Instead of looking through reams of paper, you can now quickly see how each department is doing - from income to expenses. It’s available online from draft to finish. Budget workshops are televised, something not done before 2008.
Gayle and Jamey committed themselves to the betterment of Fillmore. Through their contacts at the county level and beyond, they have formed relationships with individuals and entities working to help Fillmore with the financial woes every city is dealing with.
Litigation expenses have escalated, not due to Gayle and Jamey, but are a result of the 2003 sales tax agreements as well as the lawsuits brought by the owner of El Dorado who are forcing senior citizens from their homes.
If you believe council members are to be ethical, have integrity, and want a voice on the council, I urge you to vote for Gayle Washburn and Jamey Brooks for City Council.
Norma Amaro
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Please publish the sources of money for Communities Building Together. I'm amazed at how much money is being spent in this campaign. My amazement started when I received a phone call in Canada from Portland, OR, asking my opinion about Fillmore.. If some of the money comes from outside our community, I'd like to know that and would be very interested in knowing why they are interested in our town. Thank you.
Susan M. Cuttriss
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Three of the candidates running for city council have been receiving money - big chunks of it - from "Communities Building Together", Roger Campbell's newest consortium of builders and developers from outside the area. As anyone who follows politics knows, such contributions are not , in fact, contributions at all but are investments. Those making them expect to recoup their investments plus many thousands of additional dollars. These businesses couldn't care less about Fillmore; they are only concerned with the commercial potential of the city and the land that surrounds it. Ask yourself: Why are builders from LA County all of a sudden interested in the civic affairs of a city of 15,000 people? The answer couldn't be plainer!
Whatever problems Fillmore may have, they aren't going to be solved by candidates who have sold their integrity to outside developers. Taking PAC money disqualifies these men from any serious consideration as council candidates. If you see any of them, ask them what the developers expect in return for their "contributions". PACs in community politics! What a disgrace!
Ed Hopkins

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To the Editor:
Don’t be fooled by the wolf in sheep’s clothing
Campbell, a lobbyist and known consultant to developers of the business park and residential developments in Fillmore, formed a PAC of secret contributors who are advising Neal, Tucker and Minjares. The PAC pays for hit mailers, fancy banners, glossy flyers, and the like.
At the League of Women Voter’s debate Neal, Tucker and Minjares said they’d look to their advisors when determining the best course for Fillmore. They indicate they want to find ways to promote the business park but would not consider using public funds to do so. Tucker and Neal suggested the city had a study that would allow the business park to move forward but was held up by Washburn and Brooks.
I phoned Washburn asking about this study. One had recently been done which showed the city and council had done all they could do to provide support for the development of the park. It was now up to the developers.
Don’t let the local lobbyist sway you. Campbell formed a PAC in 2004 which supported Conaway, who in 2006 voted to give special consideration to the developers of the business park at your expense.
As for Washburn and Brooks, their advisors are you, the citizens of Fillmore. Their backers are again, you the citizens of Fillmore. They vowed in 2008 not to take special interest money and they made the same vow now.
Please vote for common sense, integrity, and ethics. Please vote for Washburn, Brooks, and Pella for Fillmore City Council. Fillmore cannot afford less.
Brett Weiberg

EDITORIAL RESPONSE
Communities Building Together is a registered 501c4 organization which means that they are allowed to engage in education and public awareness activities but cannot ask people to vote one way or another. Contributions to these organizations are confidential. The IRS regulates 501c4 organizations. The Gazette contacted Mr. Campbell to find out why the organization is set up this way and to get more information on funders. This was his response, “Our supporters are a variety of local businesses and individuals who are interested in the future of Fillmore. They have chosen to participate in this election through our community organization because they fear retribution by current members of the council. Our group allows them to participate in public education and yet remain safe from political retribution.”

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To the Editor:
Volunteer work is a critical component to the efforts that make America great. I have spent a lot of time volunteering in a domestic violence shelter and have a deep admiration for Tony Strickland's endless volunteer work in the Venture County Coalition safe houses.
As with many people's volunteer experiences, the up-close and personal work gave the Senator first-hand knowledge of the effects of domestic violence, allowing him to become a real advocate to end violence against women and children. During Tony Strickland's tenure in the state senate, he ensured funding for the Crisis Response Intervention Program, even during the complicated budget times we face today. His presence and participation at the California Partnership To End Domestic Violence allows for Coalition Advocates to directly appeal for his help as well as preserve funding for their program and others like it.
Senator Strickland is now running for the U.S. Congress. I can't think of a better person, than someone who works for Californians'
both in his elected office and in his personal time.
Heidi Neal
Oxnard

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To the Editor:
Immigration Alteration
On the touchy subject on immigration, Tony Strickland has firmly took a stance for the positive. Strickland will provide a fair route for illegal immigrants to become U.S. citizens if prerequisites are fulfilled. This includes programs that will assist the immigrants in adjusting to the new society so that they will not have to return to their country of origin too seek citizenship in the U.S. Opponent Julia Brownley argues that full reform is needed in order to solve illegal immigration, when Strickland suggests that such measures are not needed. That measures such as “...establishing a guest worker program and expansion of legal immigration through the issuance of more HB1 visas for foreign workers in specialized occupations.” can be taken in account, and later, into action. This solution would require less work that rebuilding the whole infrastructure of the illegal immigration ordeal. This would be an ample reason to vote in Mr. Tony Strickland into Washington.
Danielle Moorea D. Bautista,
Moorpark

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To the Editor:
No “Jailhouse Rock” Party Under Tony Strickland
One of the main functions of government is to keep American citizens safe. Tony Strickland has made it a priority to keep Ventura County safe and criminal free.
In a growing community with many diverse types of people, it is essential that we maintain a sense of security that is suitable for families. Sex offenders are uprising within the Los Angeles area. This emphasizes the importance to pass to pass strict laws on crime and put criminals behind bars. Tony was proud to help pass the Chelsea’s Law (anyone convicted of a sexual offense, receives life in prison). This candidate is dedicated to prevent sexual abuse by those who harm our susceptible citizens.
Furthermore, Tony is an active supporter of the Coalition Family Harmony and strongly believes it necessary to have firmer laws against spouse abuse and domestic violence. He has set aside restrictions such as immigration statuses to insure that everyone is protected from hostile environments.
Tony will promote law and order and will fight to keep citizens safe. Please vote Strickland for Congress!
Ashton Hebert
Thousand Oaks

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To the Editor:
With a flurry of issues and very contrasted viewpoints, the decision of who to vote for in the Congressional race for California's 26th district may have left voters feeling conflicted. While it may be difficult to discern a clear cut winner, and the candidate deserving of your vote, for many of these issues, that of Animal Welfare goes without a doubt to Tony Strickland. While a stigma generally follows Republican candidates in that issues of this nature come second, it appears State Senator Strickland has never fallen into this category, with animal rights essentially coming second nature to him.
With a formal endorsement from the nation's leading political advocacy organization on animal welfare, The Humane Society Legislative Fund, Strickland is ahead of the pack with an infallible record in Sacramento. As co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, Senator Strickland has consistently pushed the cause, from cracking down on animal fighting, to prohibiting roadside sales of animals, to advocating for the adoption of homeless pets, amongst numerous other issues, all of which have been signed into law.
While many of the issues that we vote for do not necessarily affect us directly, it is undeniable that to a majority of voters that their pets have transformed their house into a home. We need a Congressman who understands what a tangible part animals play in our lives, and a Congressman who fights for the well being of these animals.
So if giving a voice to the voiceless, but very barkful, holds a part in how your decision will sway this November, there is no other choice than Strickland.
Sincerely,
Molly Lowe
Thousand Oaks

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To the Editor:
I am very concerned over the negative TV commercials against Prop 37. As a volunteer for Yes on Prop 37 I pray you will ask yourself, if there isn't anything to worry, why is the worlds largest pesticide company spending millions to scare and confuses people about Prop 37? Yes on Prop 37 stands for my Right To Know what's in the food I feed my family. Prop 37 is straight forward, just label GMO's and adding a few words on a label, will cost nothing. We the voters need to stand up for our freedom to choose what we eat. I personally don't want to eat GMO's and if a product is labeled GMO I would avoid it. Here's some food for thought, if GMO's are safe and there's nothing to be concerned about, why are the TV commercials slamming Prop 37, with outlandish scare tactics, instead of telling us they are safe and all the benefits of Genetically Engineered Foods. One
thing to keep in mind, a million dollar TV commercial can say anything they want, as long as they pay the big bucks. Vote Yes on Prop 37!!
Dee Cota
Santa Paula

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To the Editor:
When it comes to job creation and stimulus money, the accountability for funds spent is a mess. The thought of trickle-down government has not worked, and the stimuli these past years have not led to the promised turnaround in the economy.
Tony Strickland understands that the perspective that the government is “giving” or “awarding” subsidies is flawed. The money has to come from somewhere, usually via your taxes. You pay into the system to receive services from the government, and your elected officials advocate for money to come back through projects that benefit you, their constituents. The question is not if the government should offer services and collect taxes, but rather how much they should offer and collect.
Who is better at spending your money? You? Or the government? Tony Strickland believes in job creation by the people and the private sector over the government. He is intimately familiar with the issues here in Ventura because he grew up here, and therefore knows how to spend your tax money most efficiently. Government spending is not the solution to everything, but Tony will work to ensure that the money spent is spent wisely, creating local jobs and encouraging real economic growth.
Nick Russell
Oxnard

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To the Editor:
Julia Brownly a Santa Monica Assemblywomen, knows little about the needs of Ventura County citizens and prides herself on supporting Washington's far-left liberal agenda.having been recruited by Nancy Pelosi to run for Ventura County's open Congressional seat, it is no surprise that liberal LA County import, Julia Brownley, Stands firmly behind the Pelosi/Reid/Obama agenda in Washington.
Brownley stood along side with Nancy Pelosi when she rooled out her billon-dollar healthcare overhaul in congress, overlooking the fact that this overhaul cuts over $700 million from Medicare in order to pay for other frivolous regulations. Julia Brownley does not understand the needs of Ventura County because she is not from Ventura County and that is why I oppose her candidacy for U.S. Congress from our community.
Very Respectfully,
Steven Almcrantz
Port Hueneme

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To the Editor:
Ventura County has had many ups and downs in its day. Cutting programs that benefit the county are not the way to go, especially in this economic recession. Julia Brownley an assemblywoman from Santa Monica voted for the high speed rail project that only benefits The County of Los Angeles.
The final cost of the completed project from Los Angeles to San Francisco would be $68 billion. Where is the money going to come from you may ask? The money is specifically going to come from the wallets of thousands of residents living here in Ventura County. Including to the cost of the residents, Brownley also voted to cut programs for the “healthy families” program. This program specifically helps poor working families giving them healthcare. Cutting this program will put families in danger of not getting the medical treatment they need if the unforeseen happens. Julia Brownley clearly has a vested interest in Los Angeles—not Ventura County. Tony Strickland lives in Moorpark and he knows how Ventura County works. He knows the perfect anecdote to make Ventura County the ideal place to live in California.
Robbie Marron,
Oxnard

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To the Editor:
Women
As a woman, it is hard to hear Julia Brownley falsely accuse Tony Strickland for being a candidate in the war against women. I will be voting for Tony Strickland in November because of his support for women. For starters, he authored the Senate Bill 966 which would deny a convicted Domestic Violence partner from receiving spousal support from the victim. Having worked for the District Attorney's office, I know the majority of DV victims are women, and I have seen perpetrators try to collect from women supporting their families while they are in prison. Not only is Tony an advocate for justice, he is also a supporter of the Healthy Families Program. Legislation that affects a lot of women directly are those that affect the family. Shame on Julia Brownley for voting against Tony's Healthy Families program which provides health care for children of lower income families. He also authored Jacquelyn's Bill, which increased the number of newborn testing to prevent diseases that can be detrimental to development. Julia Brownley can point her finger all she wants, Tony Strickland simply does not disregard women and he will not as a member in Congress.
Whitney Beatty
Camarillo