Letters to the Editor
September 30th, 2010

To the Editor:
Dear Friends, Family and Business owners of Fillmore,
On Friday, November 12, 2010, Fillmore and Santa Paula will be celebrating their 100th meeting. The game will take place in Fillmore. Due to this “once-in-a-lifetime event, we are putting together a “100th Meeting Fillmore-Santa Paula Program. We have put together a tremendous committee between Fillmore and Santa Paula and are looking forward to putting on a great event for both towns. The Fillmore High School Athletic Booster Club is reaching out to both communities to help us make this a successful year for both football programs.
If you would like to advertise your business or put in a personal dedication in this special program, please contact Susan Golson at golsons90@aol.com for rates.
Thank you
Susan Golson
Program Coordinator

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To the Editor:
I spoke at the last council meeting and said that if the council doesn't like the Gazette editorials then they don't have to read the paper. They can save the dollar by not buying the paper. We citizens can't save a buck by turning off the council when Mr. Brooks, Mrs. Washburn and Mr. "Independent" Sipes start speaking. I've watched the meetings and those two council people don't look like they know what is going on; and Mr. Sipes talks in circles and makes no sense at all. We have two blind mice up there now; if Mr. Sipes is elected we'll have three.
Dan Mathews
Piru
p.s. The cartoons are very good. My favorite was the one of Mrs. Washburn carrying Mr. Sipes around like a puppy who is wagging his tail. So much for being "independent".

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To the Editor:
Brian Sipes grew up in Fillmore and shows such pride for his city. Anyone who talks to him knows how dedicated he will be to the people of Fillmore and the betterment of the city as a whole. He has no selfish hidden agenda and is refreshingly honest. He may be young, but is smart and wise beyond years. He plans to work hard for the citizens of this community. That's why I'm voting for Brian Sipes for City Council. We can depend on him and he won't let us down.
Susan Lewis,
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
I offer the following as a private citizen. I am endorsing Patti Walker for City Council. Ms. Walker and I do not always see eye to eye on issues. Over the past 12 months I’ve observed, as some of you have, a change of tone from her and a pronounced effort to make sound calls for the entire city. She reports prepared to conduct business. Experience is greatly needed on the council. If you watch you know. Ms. Walker has demonstrated leadership by advocating items which may be unpopular but best for the city as a whole. Rather than hold tight to personal preferences she has voted based upon law and common sense. I believe that Ms. Walker must be retained on the council, but this election must bring balance back to Fillmore.
I am also endorsing David Lugo. Mr. Lugo is an honest man who has no preconceived notions or agenda. Little League needed coaches and he stepped up. Little League needed a President and he stepped up. The City of Fillmore needed a new Parks and Recreation Commissioner and he stepped up. Fillmore needs someone who truly is independent, who is honest, who has no agenda, who will conduct business fairly, openly with all citizens being considered, and now Lugo is stepping up. Mr. Lugo has a desire to serve his community for all the right reasons. Lugo will help bring balance back to City Council.
Respectfully,
Steve Conaway
Councilman

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To the Editor:
In response to the Q&A for City Council, Mr. Lugo stated that, “In the last two years this Council over spent and reduced the reserve account from 40% of the general fund to only 21%.” While some campaign rhetoric is expected at this time, it is important that the true facts are known. During the 2010-2011 budget hearings, the Finance Director informed the Council and citizens that the State took $2.3 million dollars of RDA funds, property tax assessment revenues have declined 9%, and the City is not receiving sales tax due to the sales tax lawsuits. These issues have resulted in use of reserve funds as intended. City staff has worked diligently to close the revenue gap while trying not to cut services. For more information you can view the budget documents at http://www.fillmoreca.com/docs/budget-10-11/04-Section-4-General-Fund.pd....
Gayle Washburn
Mayor Pro-tem