To the Editor:
Dear Citizens, Thank you for your support as I seek a seat on the city council. Those who know me know I'm running for office because I care for our town and the direction it’s going. I ran a fair and clean campaign and am sorry that others have to resort to belittling other candidates' efforts. It's sad, but then that is the state of politics today and one of the reasons I'm running for office. I've learned that you can't have thin skin if you run for office, part of the learning curve some say.
I believe it's time for reasonable people to stand up and serve Fillmore. If Fillmore wants a slick politician then do not vote for David Lugo. If Fillmore wants someone who is open minded, truly independent, who will listen and makes decisions for the betterment of Fillmore I ask you to support me, David Lugo for City Council. Your vote will not be a waste; I promise to work hard to prove my words have meaning. Please allow me to thank Gabriela my wife and my children Mario, Jonathan and Tatianna for their support, love and encouragement.
Thank you,
David Lugo
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
My name is Joe Golson, director for IWA independent wrestling alliance. We are putting on the fundraiser show with the help of City Council candidate David Lugo and Little League. We are excited to bring Fillmore this event and to my knowledge as a life long Fillmore resident it will be the first pro wrestling event in this great town. We as a wrestling company are pleased that Fillmore Little League chose us to run this show for them. As a parent and coach for Little League what they are doing by lowering ticket prices is a wonderful thing. Also helping out those less fortunate with enrollment cost is great this coming ball year. The event takes place November 6th, 7pm, Fillmore Middle School gymnasium.
Joe Golson
IWA Director
(I may have not typed it right, I meant to say that David Lugo was involved with Little League as its President and was mainly responsible for the hiring of my company IWA to run this fundraiser for Little League and Little League only. It was not my intention to lead people to believe that David Lugo as a candidate for city council was to benefit from this show; that is not the case. The winners of the the fundraiser is going to be Little League and its players. Joe Golson)

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To the Editor:
The residents of Fillmore are fortunate that Mayor Patti Walker agreed to run for reelection. She offers a level of experience unmatched by any other candidate and has served the people of Fillmore with the utmost integrity, grace and dedication. As she presides over council meetings she is fond of saying, “This is the people’s house, please feel free to tell us your concerns.” She listens. She makes sure that our City government is open and accessible.
Patti has worked tirelessly to represent our city in many regional and county committees that make decisions impacting us all. She has done so always keeping our best interests and Fillmore’s future in mind. She is respected and supported throughout the Fillmore community by the people she has unselfishly served and throughout Ventura County by the officials she has worked with.
We are honored to call Patti Walker our representative on the Fillmore City Council; we are proud to support her candidacy for reelection and look forward to a continued benefit from her leadership. We encourage all Fillmore voters to cast their vote for Patti Walker for City Council.
Bob & Joann Stroh
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Vote NO on Sipes.
I’ve never made a political statement, but I believe it’s necessary to speak out against Brian Sipes’s desire to represent the city of Fillmore as a council member.
Over the last few years, I’ve witnessed Brian exercise poor judgment; make false statements, and put his own self-interest above common sense and what’s best for the city of Fillmore.
Maintaining The Fillmore Gazette’s website as an independent contractor has allowed me to meet with many local business owners, school board members and city council members. I’ve meet with Brian and his mother Trinka many times over the last few years. Both have been kind to me and I wish them well; however, in the last election, Brian submitted a full page political ad attacking two political candidates that contained statements that I believed were false. I noticed these false statements before the ad was published and I asked Brian if he could provide any proof of the claims he was making. Brian said he “had proof” ... “somewhere” and “would have to get back to me on that.” In the meantime, I contacted the two political candidates being attacked and both were able to provide written proof that Brian’s statements were false. When I asked Brian again for any proof of his statements, he could not provide any, but still wanted to run the ad “as is.” In other words, Brian knowingly couldn’t provide any proof of the claims he was making but still wanted to publish the ad. It wasn’t until Brian realized the Gazette would not publish his ad “as is” that he accepted removing the false statements. A willingness to make false statements crosses a line for me. If Brian is willing to make false statements to get other people elected, what false statements is he willing to make to get himself elected? And if elected, what false statements will Brian tell us, the citizens of Fillmore, as a council member?
Brian works in the mortgage industry as a loan agent. In a Finance Committee meeting at City Hall on March 30th, 2010, Brian attempted to convince the committee to lower the city’s First Time Home Buyer Program’s loan standards. In other words, Brian was saying I’m a loan agent, and if you lower your loan standards, I’ll be able to write more loans and make more money. The meeting was attended by another local loan agent and real estate experts who all thought this was a bad idea. Does Brian not recognize the nation is in a recession caused largely by his industry’s unethical behavior and low loan standards? How could anyone think it’s a good idea to lower loan standards and put the city at greater risk?
Once again, Brian has exercised poor judgment; made false statements, and put his own self-interest above common sense and what’s best for the city of Fillmore; and for these reasons, I do not support Brian Sipes for city council.
Scott Duckett
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
My family and I are life long residents of Piru. I am a mother of two young boys and am looking ahead to options for school for them. I have concerns about our local schools and would like to see our local district, school board and community working closer to provide a strong education and equal opportunity for all students. I would like to see the children of our district, our community, to be the priority, for they undoubtedly will be our future. That is why I am supporting Kimberly Rivers for Fillmore School Board. Kimberly lives in Piru and since moving here has served on the Piru Neighborhood Council and recently volunteered to help Piru Youth Sports get a website up and going. Kimberly is dedicated, determined and willing to invest her time and effort to see change for our children happen. This is the first time that a current resident of Piru is running for the School Board and I'm confident that Kimberly will not only bring the concerns of Piru residents to the Board, but will work to ensure the Board is trully working for all the families in the District.
JoAnn Sanchez-Torres
Piru

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To the Editor:
I endorse Mark Austin for election to the Fillmore Unified School District Board. During the years I have served with him on the City of Fillmore Planning Commission, as well as previously when I was a staff member making presentations before the Commission, I have observed that he is a natural leader. He picks his battles wisely and sparingly, and ALWAYS has information available to support his position. He is persuasive, and very importantly...almost always correct!
Just as important as this is his ability to support and build a team. He is certainly not a soloist...but functions as an important cog in the entire wheel.
I see his abilities and talents as a commissioner, businessman, and environmental expert translating directly into his future participation on the School Board.
I'm requesting that my friends and neighbors in the District join me in voting for Mark. I guarantee that will not be a wasted vote!!!
Vance Johnson
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
For your information: The "STORAGE YARD" at the end of Orange Grove Avenue was and is for the use of "Grad Nitre Live". Our organization has kept cars, motor homes, yard sale items and any donated items in this neat and safe area. Our yard sale items were kept in the enclosed storage bins. Gary Copeland has been with Grad Nite Live for 13 years. He has brought items that were donated to Grad Nite Live to my garage and the storage yard of Campbell's Auto Shop for years. When we are given a car to sell Gary checks it all over to see if he can fix it to sell or if we should give it to a mechanic shop where they donate parts and labor so we can sell it or give it to a student as a Senior Gift. Cesar Sandoval (he has a mechanic shop next to Grad Nite Live's storage yard) has helped us by donating parts and labor in the past. Then Brenda Ortiz of Super Seal and Strip offered Grad Nite Live this piece of land (dirt not asphalt) that was traded to her by the City for some of her property at the bike path. Gary then cleaned, leveled and fenced the area for Grad Nite Live. Then he was able to acquire a storage bin for us. This was all done with the approval of the neighboring businesses; Bill Stoessel, Brenda Ortiz and Charles Neal owner of the property that later was leased by Gary for his own storage yard. Grad Nite Live is a non-profit organization since 1990. We have taken the Senior Class on a safe "no drugs, no alcohol, no cigarettes/cigars" graduation party since our first trip in 1991. We have been able to do this by having many fundraisers. We started with 140 students graduating and it cost $10,000; now the Senior Class is 270 and the cost is $21,500. City Planner Kevin Mc Sweeney has been very helpful it getting this problem resolved, however as it stands now it seems the "City" wants to take back the yard from Grad Nite Live so that there is more parking space for cars and trucks of the businesses at the Dead End of Orange Grove Avenue. At this time there is an easy access to the end of Orange Grove Ave/Bike Path because everything is in a fenced dirt area not on the asphalt of the street.
Raelene Chaney
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
In case you didn’t know, an opponent of Brian Sipes has been stealing signs at several locations. So far at least 14 signs were stolen since Tuesday night. While there is no proof of who stole the signs I hope the voters of Fillmore refuse to vote for a candidate who would do that. If they would steal campaign signs to win what else would they do and what kind of person are they?
Dave Roegner
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Brian Sipes – the right choice for Fillmore City Council
Brian Sipes will make an outstanding contribution to the Fillmore City Council.
I was born and raised in Ventura. My family settled here in 1928. As former Chief Deputy District Attorney for the County of Ventura, I know well that support for our local law enforcement is critical for the safety of everyone in our communities. Brian shares that view. He respects and supports law enforcement and will listen to their needs. Brian’s moral compass is always pointed in the right direction. His outstanding work ethic combined with his dedication for the betterment of Fillmore is a winner for the citizens of that fine community.
Brian Sipes is keenly aware that decisions of today have not only immediate consequences but also have long range consequences for the future.
As a small business owner, Brian understands the vital importance small business plays in the successful growth and fiscal security for everyone in Fillmore.
Brian believes that all citizens of Fillmore should have a voice in their local government. Brian will listen to those voices.
Brian is energetic, well-educated and well-informed. Brian has demonstrated his unique ability to lead by having already attended most City Council and subcommittee meetings. He knows the issues; he knows the City protocol; he will follow and abide by all rules; he will hit the ground running.
Do the right thing for Fillmore. Vote Brian Sipes for City Council.
Lela Henke-Dobroth

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To the Editor:
Why knowledge is important – Why I am supporting Brian Sipes
Brian Sipes indicated a few years back he was interested in representing the citizens of Fillmore as a Council Member. Being the thoughtful and meticulous person he is, Brian began looking into the issues and duties of a council member by attending almost every council meeting. He went up and beyond by attending the Sewer and Financial Subcommittees. And he did not do this in just the last few months but has been a steady attendee for the last two years.
Brian did not stop there. He heard the call for support of the Boys and Girls Club and held a fundraiser to help bridge the financial gap the Club was dealing with. And when the Senior Center needed support he and his business associate made a donation to their bag lunch program.
Brian, like many others, did not appreciate the need to raise water rates. The difference is, Brian recognized that it was necessary to keep Fillmore’s credit rating safe and the water system properly maintained.
Isn’t that what Fillmore is about? Doesn’t Fillmore deserve a dedicated individual who has lived here most of his life and has a business here? I think it does, and I think the citizens will find that type of person in Brian Sipes.
Please join me on November 2, and cast your vote for someone who will listen to your concerns, work to find solutions to the problems, and strive to keep Fillmore fiscally sound and financially sustainable. That person is Brian Sipes.
Patti Walker
Mayor, City of Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Re: Candidates campaign practices
There is information available for public viewing on the candidate's campaign money, financial form 460. The purpose of this form is to disclose to the public as to who is financing their campaign.
Beware: Candidates who do not submit this financial form 460! DO THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO HIDE?
Beware: Candidates who have received money from SPECIAL INTERESTS GROUPS like out of town developers. If they receive money from special interests they will be obligated to vote for these company bids even if it's not the best decision for the City, the Citizens, or the Business people of Fillmore. It may turn out to be another white elephant like the Bridges. One candidate has received over $2,000.00 from developers for his campaign.
Consider: Candidates that have had their campaign funded by private citizens and businesses in Fillmore. Who do you think that candidate will be representing in a City Council Vote.
Think about It: Take the time to obtain this form and really decide which person you want on the City Council. Three different kinds of campaigns here in Fillmore our "Best Little Small Town in America" Which Candidates would you prefer making decisions for the town and the people?
I have lived in Fillmore since 1965 and I have seen many things happen to our people and town because of our City Council. I would like to see the Council stop selling out to developers with the wrong kinds of developments and start focusing on building Real Revenue for Fillmore so our city can again own itself!
EVERYONE BE SURE TO VOTE FOR THE BEST CANDIDATE ON Nov.2.
Donna Miller

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To the Editor:
To Whom It May Concern:
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Mark Austin on the Fillmore Planning Commission for the past six years. His professionalism, knowledge, wisdom and leadership have been inspirational.
Mark is always prepared for planning commission meetings, he is open minded and willing to listen to all sides before determining a course of action. He takes great pride in this community and his service to it.
This is why I am endorsing Mark Austin for the Fillmore School Board. Based on my experiences working with Mark I know that he will be a strong asset to the school board.
Regards
Douglas Tucker

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To the Editor:
Every week when Congress is in session, my husband flies across the country to work. When he returns at the end of the week, we are busy attending community events throughout the 24th Congressional District. Being a U.S. Representative is not a job, it is a way of life.
Elton and I have four children and 10 grandchildren. Our children were all raised here and are products of the public school system. Three of our four children live, work and volunteer in the district and their children attend our public schools.
On the weekends, when we’re not at community events talking to our neighbors about their concerns, Elton spends his time playing with the grandkids, attending their baseball and soccer games or building them forts and playhouses. It’s how he relaxes after spending the week in committee hearings, discussing with his congressional colleagues the need to fairly compensate the victims of the 2008 Metro link crash, or working any number of other foreign and domestic issues that are on his plate at any given time. One of the four full committees Elton sits on is the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Although he cannot talk about the national security threats he deals with on that committee, sometimes I can just tell how heavy it weighs on him. But the concern he brings home fades for a short time as he immerses himself in our grandchildren’s young lives.
But it’s also for them that he continues to fly to work every week and take on the serious issues of fighting terrorism, creating a climate that helps businesses create jobs, rejuvenating our economy and fixing our health care system without destroying it. Our children and grandchildren – yours and mine – are our future. Elton wants to make sure they have prospects for a prosperous future. As a member of Congress, Elton works long and hard yet always makes time to be a husband, father, grandfather and the neighbor you see around town. Home provides the roots, the understanding and the incentive to battle for what’s best for our country and Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in Washington, D.C.
I am proud of my husband and the important work he does. I know how much he cares for our country and our community. Please join me in voting for Elton Gallegly for Congress.
Janice Gallegly
Simi Valley