More persuaded to vote no

Re: your May 2 article, "Measure B initiative is dividing some T.O. business groups":

The Agoura Chamber of Commerce decided to support Measure B, a ballot proposition that affects only the city of Thousand Oaks.

This is interesting.

This organization's headquarters and most of its members come from an area that will not be subject to Measure B's draconian implications for business. In fact, if Measure B is passed, it might force more shoppers to head in their direction. No wonder it wants Measure B to pass. Interesting.

Further, one of the board members in the Agoura Chamber is the owner of the Do It Center who has paid for every dime of the Measure B initiative — from the out-of-town petition gatherers to the dishonest and slick ads. Interesting.

The Agoura Chamber president said he opposes Measure B because it would hurt small business on Thousand Oaks Boulevard. That is interesting.

The Thousand Oaks Boulevard Association, made up of 250 businesses along the boulevard, voted unanimously to oppose Measure B.

The Ventura County Economic Development Association, which represents small businesses in its membership, opposes Measure B.

The Thousand Oaks-Westlake Village Regional Chamber of Commerce, where the membership majority includes small businesses, opposes Measure B.

It is all very interesting. So interesting that I am more convinced than ever that I am voting no on Measure B on June 3.

— Phil Koonce, Thousand Oaks

Check out impact analysis

Re: Jess Ruf's May 4 commentary, "Do It Center owner responds to critics":

If Measure B were not so serious, I would have laughed at Ruf's commentary on the heated opposition. His commentary was long on accusations and short on facts.

He attacked Mayor Jacqui Irwin and Councilman Dennis Gillette for taking a position against Measure B. I very clearly heard four members of the Thousand Oaks City Council who voted not to take a public position — for or against —Measure B.

The only person using her position on the City Council to influence voters is Claudia Bill-de la Peña. Supervisor Linda Parks has lent her name and endorsement very publicly.

Let me understand this, Irwin and Gillette have not taken a public position and they are criticized for doing so. Bill-de la Peña and Parks endorse a side, publicly and in mailers, but that is fine by Ruf. This is another example of the misinformation, empty promises and attack campaign being delivered to Thousand Oaks voters to pass this initiative.

Some truths Ruf has glazed over, about Measure B:

— It does not allow you to vote — it requires a vote for large projects.

— It requires more city government staff efforts.

— It excludes traffic mitigation from the voters who will be deciding on traffic.

— It has no sunset clause for review and amendment.

Ruf not only supports an ill-advised revision to the general plan of Thousand Oaks, but he distorts the truth about an issue that may have a genesis far removed from careful traffic management or community planning.

Read the impact analysis prepared by an independent agency on the potential results of passage of Measure B. Go to http://www.toaks.org and choose the "elections" menu.

I have and I'm voting no on Measure B.

— Susan Engler, Thousand Oaks

Trust the voters

As a longtime resident of Thousand Oaks, I have seen the area grow, sometimes in a smart way and sometimes not. Most people who live here are happy that the Home Depot is in our community. However, we do not need another one.

Most of us will welcome a second Costco. Although it will result in increased traffic, it will offer a gasoline station that will result in more competitive gasoline prices, as well as lower grocery costs.

This will also bring tax dollars to Thousand Oaks.

Developers will realize their large projects will need to appeal to the voters. Thus, they will hopefully find ways of doing so, such as providing us with a bowling alley and other amenities lacking in the community. This will be the best thing that can happen to our community.

We want a green community with businesses that will thrive and are needed, rather than businesses that are underutilized, such as the department store in Newbury Park and the retail store across from The Oaks mall. Empty parking lots in developments that were approved by the City Council make no sense to the community and do not result in tax dollars to the community.

Sometimes council approves projects because they are close with the attorney representing the project, and it barely listens to the opposition.

It is about time citizens are involved in the decision-making so that wiser and smarter decisions are made regarding the few large parcels that are yet to be developed.

To prevent undue traffic congestion, what is approved for Thousand Oaks Boulevard needs to be acceptable to our community and subject to our vote.

We have smart people in Thousand Oaks. We shouldn't be at all hesitant for them to exercise their votes. Do be for Measure B.

— Sharon Miret, Newbury Park

Measure B disastrous

Measure B is a perfect example of a policy with disastrous consequences.

The misleading information by the proponents is somewhat staggering. It is not about traffic. A report by an independent consultant said Measure B will increase congestion, not reduce it.

It is not about open space. The consultant said it will dry up the funds used by the city and park district to purchase open space.

It is not about increasing the quality of life here. It will cut funding for schools, parks, police and fire services and hurt the expansion of Los Robles Hospital, which is why they have made a huge contribution to the campaign to defeat Measure B.

Look at who is opposed to this measure: every public agency, Los Robles Hospital, California Lutheran University, taxpayers associations, Sheriff Bob Brooks, Little Leagues, PTAs and more. Ask yourself why and search out the facts at http://www.dontdoitto.com.

The drafting of this measure was so poorly done that there are consequences that were never intended. Tell the Do It Center its attorney drafted an astonishingly bad measure and it is not looking out for our city, only for itself.

If it loves this city as we do, it will stop trying to deceive us for its own gain.

— Frances Prince, Thousand Oaks

Brimhall is owed an apology

Re: Jess Ruf's May 4 commentary, "Do It Center owner responds to critics":

For years, the residents of Thousand Oaks were privileged to have a man of Grant Brimhall's moral character and keen mind at the helm. He was recognized nationally as the model for city managers. Grant kept Thousand Oaks moving in the right direction. He is one of the key reasons we are the tremendous city we are today.

Since his retirement, Grant has devoted himself to family and his church. But, finally, something awoke the sleeping giant within him. It is Measure B — a terrible law that will have awful consequences for this city.

Grant broke his silence and spoke up. He is trying to warn us about this law.

After he spoke his mind, he was scurrilously attacked by the owner of the California Do It Center retail chain that has paid for every red cent of the Measure B campaign. This attack was completely unwarranted.

Grant is a man of unparalleled character. He knows Thousand Oaks. He expressed his opinion. I want to thank him for speaking up.

And I would like Jess Ruf to offer him an apology.

— Virginia Davis, Thousand Oaks

Fast becoming too urbanized

I'm joining Linda Parks and several hundreds of Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park residents in supporting Measure B.

I find the concept of having the voters of a community, our community, having a say about major new commercial developments by means of a vote most exciting. Our Planning Commission seems to be asleep at the switch. I see development everywhere in our community. What happened to the ridgeline ordinance? I see homes being built on the top of mountains and in every nook and cranny.

We're fast becoming another San Fernando Valley.

The critics of Measure B argue that our schools and public services will be hurt if Measure B passes. Apparently, Home Depot, which wants to build another giant store on the site of the old Kmart store, has promised to donate generous sums to replenish city coffers in exchange to obtain the right to open its second store.

In essence, our purchases will be transferred to our schools and city services. Why must Home Depot be the transfer agent? Why not raise taxes to support our schools, Police Department, Fire Department, etc.? Why must our schools and public services be beholden to Home Depot? Haven't we learned our lesson from the lottery?

Before Proposition 13 was passed, California had the best educational system in the nation. It's time to re-examine the venerable proposition for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Warren Buffett made this suggestion during his brief tenure in California politics.

— Samuel M. Rosen, Newbury Park