To the Editor:
As a Former Mayor of the City of Fillmore I feel strongly about the current state of Fillmore and its future.I have no desire to highlight the problems of the last four years. While some point their finger backwards and blame others for the trials and problems the city now faces, three individuals are looking forward with a willingness to solve problems and move Fillmore forward. We can make a positive statement this November by electing three new council members. The city needs common sense business minded individuals who will work for Fillmore. Manuel Minjares, Rick Neal and Douglas Tucker all have a long history of service to our community and will serve Fillmore well as council members.
Respectfully,
Evaristo Barajas
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
This letter is in response to Mayor Washburn’s comments at the League of Women Voter’s Candidate Forum about raising the Sales Tax and installing parking meters. Honestly, do we live in the same small and struggling town Mayor Washburn? On one hand the Mayor states that the city depends on Tourism and we need to promote our downtown. On the other hand she wants to ask those same few tourists to pay for parking and pay more for the goods they actually do purchase? Have you spoken with the local merchants? My guess is that they too are struggling and putting a parking burden on those few patrons would most assuredly drive them elsewhere. Where is the disconnect here?
You must realize that gas prices alone are increasingly difficult to fit in to the average family budget. People are still spending less and guarding what little discretionary income they have. Parking meters and higher tax rates will guarantee that people never come back or bring their friends for a few hours shopping or having a nice meal.
Fillmore does not need another four years of tax and spend politicians which is why I am voting Doug Tucker for City Council. Last Saturday, I was able to spend some time with Doug when he was working a voter registration drive at Shiells Park. It was refreshing to hear Doug speak of new ideas for increasing city revenue without creating more taxes. We simply cannot tax our way into a better Fillmore. We have to live within our means and make sure that money is not being wasted.
I am voting Doug Tucker for Fillmore City Council.
Sincerely,
Diane McCall
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
I am writing to offer my support to Doug Tucker for City Council. As a co-worker of Doug’s for a number of years, I feel qualified to write in support of his integrity. As you may know, Doug works as an Administrator of a nursing facility. Working in the healthcare industry, we are expected to uphold the highest of moral and ethical principles and to be honest and transparent with our patients and their families no matter the situation. Time and time again, I have seen Doug have to have some tough decisions with patients and their families. The choices are never easy but in each every situation, I have witnessed Doug be consistent in his approach and steadfast in being completely transparent. I have worked with many administrators throughout the years but would rank Doug at the top of my list.
Please support Doug Tucker for City Council.
Sincerely,
Maria Solis

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To the Editor:
Okay, so I now have the complete collectors edition for my front yard !! I still needed a Nancy Meyer sign, but happed to run across Doug Tucker and Rick Neal about 4:30 as they were beating the pavement and going door to door. Doug was kind enough to liberate/borrow a sign for me (Nancy you need a new sign in your yard).
I can't begin to express just how impressed I am with the determination, dedication, and effort that these candidates are putting in. It seems every time I am out and about in Fillmore I end up crossing paths with one or more of them out talking to people. They are not just giving a political spiel, but are actually asking what the citizens want and need, and willing to discuss any and all issues.
Yes, I am impressed!!
Ken Tallent
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Dear, Editor and Parents of Sespe School students:
It has to come to my attention as a parent of a Sespe School kindergartner that head lice has found on one or more students. Concerned, I checked my child and found lice. I have since gone through all the necessary steps to rid my child and household of the little creatures. However my frustrating journey has only begun. I have called the school to notify them that my child HAD lice and was wondering what the protocol was for my child to return to school. The School has told me as long as I have shampooed him that is all that is needed. After reading numerous articles and referring to the Center for disease control (CDC), and what their recommendations are, the schools so-called Protocol has me very concerned about a reinfestation. I then called Mr. Carroll the principal of Sespe School to voice my concern. After several hours he finally returned my phone call, frustratingly short conversation took place. I was told the district nurse sets the protocol. I asked if the school would be checking my child’s class for lice, the answer was a disturbing one; “No, we will not be checking any children in your child’s class, it takes too long”. I was told that not even a letter would go out because only ONE child with lice does not raise concern (however a letter did go out).
The CDC has said it only takes one infected person with lice to infect an entire school, office, workplace etc., Upon my son’s return my child’s teacher was notified by me that he was out because of lice. She was shocked and had no idea that one of her students was the one with lice. She has expressed her frustration with me and I agree with her frustration. The School did not EVEN notify my son’s teacher that one of her students had lice. As of today my son’s teacher has told me that she had sent several children to the office due to excessive head scratching and that not a single child she sent to the office was sent back to class.
Keep in mind if a child at Sespe School goes home with lice and has an older sibling in middle school or high school those sibling's can carry the lice to their schools, infesting other students as well.
The purpose of this letter is not to come off as a complaining parent but a concerned and frustrated one. I’m concerned with Sespe School, the district nurse and their silly policies on the manners of head lice. Dangerous they may not be, but a hassle they are. Please if you have a child at Sespe School please call their office 805-524-6161 with your concern over the head lice dilemma which WILL grow if it left ignored. If enough come forward maybe we can make a small change in their policies.
A concerned parent of a Sespe School student

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To the Editor:
This year I decided to get involved in the political process that will make a difference for most of us in this election year. As part of this, I decided to join Tony Strickland’s group at the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Oxnard. As many of us Latinos, I am a conservative and I feel that Tony’s values are aligned with mine and he can be a positive voice for us in congress.
I must say that the experience at the parade was excellent. This was a well organized and extremely positive event and it was an honor to actively participate in it for the first time. It was nice to see so many friends and friendly people celebrating such a great occasion for our community. I have lived in Oxnard for over 12 years and I have fallen in love with the place and the people. As many of us, I have decided to become active in helping our community have a larger say in our own destiny. I was impressed with Tony’s connection with the people and the positive response to his name and message. It was great to see Tony support this important event for our community.
I must also congratulate to the city for the great organization of the parade.
Enrique Ortega
Oxnard

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To the Editor:
Tony Strickland and the Middle East
For years the United States has faced many struggles with the Middle East.
The War on Terror has proven to be one of the most troubling occurrences of our recent history. The United States is in desperate need of politicians who have the abilities to maintain strong relations with our few allies in the Middle East. Throughout his time in the California Senate and State Assembly, Tony Strickland has supported our one true ally Israel.
America and Israel share a common threat, Iran. Iran's nuclear weaponry and it's support of terrorist organizations are serious issues that must be taken into great consideration. The threat of the United States security and the security of our allies will rise, if Iran becomes a powerful country with nuclear capability. It is extremely crucial that Americans are aware of this situation, and that we the people take a stand to support the Holy Land.
The Israeli military is known to be one of the best in the world; the United States should be in full support of it. America, a protector of freedom, must make strong efforts to maintain Israel's defense system. Having family members in the U.S. military, I fully understand the importance of our national defense system and the men and women who fight to protect our country. There is no reason why Israel should not be given the same military advantage. Tony supports intelligence and military cooperation, joint missile defense projects, and opposed any sales of military equipment that interferes with Isreal's ability to secure its citizen's safety. By defending Israel, the U.S. will promote democracy and create a stronger Middle East.
Tony will work hard in Congress to maintain stalwart relations with Israel and try to improve the Middle East. A peaceful Middle East will lead to more peaceful world. I believe in Tony Strickland. Please vote for him for Congress!
Ashton Hebert
Thousand Oaks

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To the Editor:
Support for Tony
There are several reasons why I am supporting Tony Strickland for Congress.
First, he has always been a strong supporter of the Naval Base in Ventura County which consists of 19,000 employees and puts millions into the economy. A healthy Ventura County Economy depends on the cornerstone of the Naval Base VC. Next, Strickland is steadfast on protecting Medicare and Social Security. Social security is on the pathway for a disaster in 2037.
We need someone, like Strickland, to protect and fix these two programs so they will be around in 28 years when I reach retirement. Strickland will confront the issue and work in a bipartisan way to resolve the system.
Lastly, Tony has lived in Ventura County for a majority of his life and truly understands the sentiments of the area and what our needs as a county are. I strongly support Tony Strickland for Congress and encourage all my fellow Ventura County Residents to get to know Tony and support him on Election Day!
Stephen Hoekendorf
Camarillo