To the Editor:
So the public was polled and the council’s image wasn’t pretty. If this council isn’t happy with the Magellan Survey, then maybe it should ask how true in character they’ve been to the promise that got them elected.
Running for city council can be about power, arrogance, or just wanting to serve. In recent date we’ve had a laughable stock unlike Scott Lee, Linda Brewster, Evaristo Barajas, Ernie Villegas, Don Gunderson, and Roger Campbell. Like many before them, their collective wisdom and guidance made Fillmore the envy of Small Town, USA because they weren't self-appointed heroes but honorable public servants.
Fast forward to the political wisdom of our mayor and council today. It hired the now defunct three-year city “manager of no confidence" who they also retained without a review or evaluation. In separate matters, the mayor was willing to expose the City to a highly expensive lawsuit because of her discontent over a business tower while other members of the council mortgaged the City’s future on a legal matter. According to their public statements, members didn’t like their feelings being hurt by the El Dorado voting block. Some members said they were bullied and disrespected so they voted to continue the lawsuit when it had the chance to settle. It’s too late to cry now; get used to the criticism or stay out of politics.
We also have members of this council who promised transparency, but we still don’t know why Ted Schneider was removed as city attorney. Regrettably, I voted for councilman Brooks who is representative of this council and won't answer questions made by the same public he serves, case in point former councilmember Laurie Hernandez. For the next two months I am your constituent and that of every other councilmember. If none of you want to give answers, then please do the right thing instead of furthering your pretense about character and give us an apology, because governing is an inviolate trust of the people and City you engaged to serve.
Bert Castel de Oro
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
We would like to thank Dick Diaz for the kind and moving article on Toby Gritz’s and our son, Scott’s Memorials. Ron and I were always proud that Scott’s Memorial tree stood next to Toby’s and we’re certain that Scott would have felt proud and honored also. We were sorry we were unable to attend Toby’s rededication service. Our sister, Phyllis DeMarco, represented us. Through her and Dick’s article, we learned it was a touching tribute to Toby by his family, including Military honors he so deserved. We all need to remember the ultimate sacrifices that Toby and other young men have made for us. We would also like to publically thank BSA Troop 406, Roberto Munoz and Harold “Butch” Foy for their work in completing this Memorial Bench. We’re not sure of the future of the trees planted in Toby and Scott’s memories, but we do want to acknowledge that Scott’s tree was presented by his Class of l979, donated by David Gurrola, father of Nancy, one of Scott’s classmates. We are proud that visitors to Fillmore High School will be able to honor Toby and Scott by stopping by the bench, and for their friends, to recall pleasant memories.
Sincerely,
Elaine & Ron Ipswitch

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To the Editor:
Naval Base Ventura County
Our armed forces have always had the difficult task of protecting our country’s boarders and our people. They have served us well we need to do everything we can to help them.
Today Naval Base Ventura County, located at Point Mugu, is being threatened to be closed down. If the base were to be closed 19,000 military jobs would be lost. Not only would this impact the lives of many military families but it would also affect the economy drastically. The base also provides a fine training location for our men and women in the navy. Closing this base would reduce the number of men and women serving our country over seas and on the seas. This base is not only crucial on a local/community level but also on a national level.
Senator Tony Strickland, raised in a military family, has been fighting and doing everything that he can to keep Naval Base Ventura County up and running. He understands just how important it is to keep this naval base form being closed. If he gets elected for Congress, he could accomplish so much more to help the base. With this in mind, Tony Strickland has my vote.
Nicholas William Dueñas
Thousand Oaks

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To the Editor:
The 5 Billion dollar High Speed Rail
The high speed rail that has been proposed is said to connect Los Angeles with San Francisco and improve the way we travel however, there is a costly side to it. The high speed rail will cost 2.7 billion dollars in state funding and 3.3 billion dollars in federal funding which both governments can’t afford. Also, if this high speed rail were to be built, the tickets to take would be roughly the same as the average plane ticket. In an economic time like this, our government needs to be using that kind of money for practical uses.
Senator Tony Strickland has been against this high speed rail every time it has been proposed. He recognizes that this kind of money could be used for more practical and constructive uses like making us more energy independent or creating more jobs for people who need them. During this years voting season, I plan on voting for him for Congress so that he may take his ideas on money use there.
Nicholas Dueñas
Thousand Oaks

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To the Editor:
Strickland's Commitment to National Security
Following the senseless violence in Egypt and Libya, today crowds stormed our embassies in Tunisia, Sudan, and Yemen. These dangerous times demand a renewed commitment by our government to its first duty: keeping us safe.
It's a commitment we have to demand from candidates for public office--a commitment Tony Strickland hasn't hesitated to make.
For some time now, Senator Strickland has been warning us of potential dangers in the Middle East, including the situation in Egypt. As we mourn this week's tragedies, we should remember which candidate for Congress had the foresight to see them coming.
The son of an army drill sergeant who served in Korea and Vietnam, Tony Strickland understands the importance of American leadership and a strong national defense. In Congress, he'll fight to stop $600 billion in defense cuts, keep Naval Base Ventura County open, and for energy independence so we aren't funding hostile groups.
Whatever our other priorities may be, keeping our families safe has to be first on the list. I know our national security is first on Tony Strickland's list, and that's one of the reasons I'm proud to support him for Congress.
Andrew Murcia
Simi Valley