Duty to vote

As the founder of Westlake Revelations, I get asked a lot: "Who should I vote for?" While I'm honored to be asked, I think that's a personal choice. That said, I've been thinking about this more recently, and I have some advice to those who want it.

First, what are your goals?

— Are you angry about issues in the city? If so, then you might want to vote for a candidate angry about the same issues, and who will pursue them.

— Are you happy with things the way they are? If so, then you might want to vote for those who will continue along the lines of what's been done.

— Is your primary goal schools and parks? If so, then you might want to vote for people who you really feel will advance them.

I could go on, but, well, you get the idea. Simply match their goals to yours.

But, don't just look at their literature — instead, listen to them speak: Do they really know the facts? Hear their tone. Listen for their sincerity. Evaluate their way of doing things.

Second, be informed. These candidates all have personalities, and that may play an important role for you. If you don't have a chance to talk to all of them, you may want to take a look at the debate we structured so that you could compare each candidate's answers, personality, and positions.

The complete debate video is on the Web at www.westlakerevelations.com.

Finally, don't forget to vote! Residents of the city of Westlake Village are voting for three things: two City Council positions, two Board of Education seats and Measure E (the renewal of the $98 parcel tax that generates $2 million for the schools).

Tuesday: It's your right, and it's your duty, to vote.

— Neil Ticktin, Westlake Village

Keep village feel

Re: David Catlin's Oct. 29 letter, "Anti-project wrong for council":

I truly am at a loss when I read the letter from Catlin. It seems that his main focus in this election is money and what it can generate.

There are some things more important than money. I will agree that money is necessary to run a business, a home and a community. However, if that becomes the only matter of importance, then our village is doomed.

Imagine that, in your own home, money for some reason becomes tight. Are you going to rent out rooms to anyone to generate that additional income? Are you going to turn your front lawn into a parking lot for revenue? I don't think so. You are going to look at your expenses, cutting wherever and whenever you can. You will invest differently and spend differently. You will look to income-generating ventures that will not destroy the sanctity of your home.

Bigger isn't always better; more isn't always what one needs. I want to maintain this wonderful "village" that I moved to 14 years ago.

That is one of the many reasons why I am voting for Carol Kirschbaum for Westlake Village City Council. Carol is for development, but responsible development — development that will not endanger our quality of life, but development that will enhance it. Carol is our choice for City Council, and I hope she is your choice, too.

— Sheila Ruiz, Westlake Village

Protect city

In Tuesday's election for Westlake Village City Council, we have an opportunity to add a new voice to the decision-making process. There are two seats up for election and one of them should go to Carol Kirschbaum. The council needs balance and diversity and Carol will bring these qualities.

It is evident listening to Carol that she believes in studying the issues and making informed decisions with input from the community. Carol is a consensus builder with proven negotiation skills.

We need our council to take actions designed to maintain our quality of life, while also protecting and enhancing property values, things Carol is whole heartily committed to. Carol believes in sensible growth, utilizing the experience of professionals knowledgeable in planning and architecture.

Co-venturing with our sister cities Oak Park and Agoura Hills makes sense, especially when it comes to new projects like the YMCA, an idea Carol has discussed to ensure the financial viability of this and other projects.

Carol has been actively involved in this community since she and her family moved here more than 20 years ago. The beauty of our city and the wonderful sense of community are things she wants to maintain. She is a strong advocate for our children, as evidenced by her many years of volunteer work at Casa Pacifica and her active support of our local schools. Carol wants to protect our children against the impact of more traffic and pollution and ensure the safety of our streets for all residents. Let's ensure Westlake remains the same city we are all proud to call home. Let's elect Carol Kirschbaum to Westlake Village City Council.

— Michelle Sievers, Westlake Village

Support Kirschbaum

I have lived in Westlake Village only five years, drawn here by the wonderful surroundings. But, already, I have witnessed commercial developments whose style I believe threatens our village environment.

There is no doubt that we need a thriving business community to help pay the costs of the great city services we enjoy. But as a 35-year participant in city government and community development issues throughout the Los Angeles area, I know that our city council should and can do more to protect us against commercial development that is out of character to our unique setting here.

That is why I will vote for Carol Kirschbaum in Tuesday's City Council election and urge my fellow residents to do so as well.

Far more strongly and specifically than the other candidates, Carol makes a sensible pledge to foster responsible, productive commercial growth that, at the same time, protects and enhances our neighborhoods' lifestyles.

She also has a selfless record of community service, combined with extensive professional career success that, based on my experience with governments regionwide, proves to be the mark of an excellent council member for a city like ours.

Carol will give us intelligent, thoughtful, dedicated, harmonious and more inclusive and responsive representation. She truly deserves our votes.

— Bill Canup, Westlake Village