Irwin, Glancy: a winning team

The election to fill two seats on the Thousand Oaks City Council is the easiest we've seen in many years. Mayor Jacqui Irwin and Councilman Tom Glancy have done an excellent job and deserve your vote.

They both were on the right side, as supported by the majority of voters, of Measure B regarding use of the vacant Kmart on Hampshire Road, whereas some of their opponents were on the losing side. Furthermore, one candidate who serves on the city's Planning Commission publicly stated his opposition to a Home Depot on the site even though an applicant had not had the opportunity to have a public hearing. Obviously, such a statement denies an applicant for a project to the fair and impartial hearing, to which he is entitled, and casts doubt on the commissioner's ability to serve the public fairly as a council member.

Irwin and Glancy are a winning team.

— Jere Robings, Thousand Oaks

Not another monkey trial!

Proposition 8 is a century too late. We do not need another "monkey trial." It's too late to get Spencer Tracy to star in another "Written on the Wind."

— Larry Hankison, Simi Valley

Buckles, Connelly for CVUSD

The Conejo Valley Unified School District board position is extremely important. Questions that should be asked of candidates include:

— Have they been involved with the day-to-day operations and issues of the district?

— Have they educated themselves with what it takes to provide the highest-quality education, with the best educational tools needed to succeed in this global economy?

— Do they respectfully work well with others and follow the rules?

— Are they committed to put in the time required?

I have 10 years of volunteer activities with CVUSD. I have seen firsthand those who are helping and who are not. Some seem to be trying to push their own extreme agendas. Our district shouldn't have to pay huge sums to defend stupid mistakes. Our children deserve trustees who are respectful, thoughtful, intelligent people with high integrity.

Peggy Buckles: She is willing to do whatever is required to make sure our children receive the absolute highest-quality education. She is tireless in her efforts to figure out the issues and respectfully argue the pros and cons. Even though her children are grown, Peggy regularly attends our school board meetings, has belonged to the state, 12th District and Conejo Council PTA for many years, has traveled to Sacramento to speak with our legislators on behalf of our children and is an active member of the Tri-County Education Coalition.

Betsy Connelly: I met Betsy through the District Advisory meetings, where she was chairwoman, school board meetings and the district's school-closure criteria meetings. I found Betsy to be extremely thoughtful and respectful. When she spoke, everyone would listen. She is a strong, reasonable voice on behalf of our children, one we really need on our school board.

I will be giving my vote to Peggy Buckles and Betsy Connelly.

— Aleta M. Smith, Newbury Park

Liberal bias

Re: your Sept. 21 letters to the editors on the presidential campaigns:

Leftist letters range from typical Democratic whiners, Bush bashers and doomsayers to strong socialism to outright communism. Capitalism has made our wonderful U.S. the most successful government in the world as measured by the highest standard of living and unequaled opportunities for self-accomplishments.

When we liberate countries from ravages of natural disasters and political atrocities of totalitarian regimes with billions of dollars in aid, we are castigated out of pure greed and envy instead of appreciated for our legendary compassion and generosity. Biblical morals are detested by the left, which instead clearly embraces free spirit, pagan morality. As Robert Bork opined, we are "slouching toward Gomorrah."

I love this country with a passion. I hate to see socialist anarchists and income redistributors drag us down to the level of France and Sweden and ultimately even to actual or simulated caliphates like Iran and North Korea whose people are compelled to worship "our leader."

An example of a blatant trend toward socialism is the $700 billion bailout for Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, AIG, Lehman Bros. and Merrill Lynch. As cited in The Star, this is equivalent to $2,000 for every man, woman and child in this country. These fiascos were created by a combination of Democrat and Republican opportunists who interfered with and ignored legitimate free-market economics to feather their own nests.

As liberals bemoan Sarah Palin's "lack of experience," they totally ignore Barack Obama's total lack of experience and inability to make a decision about legislation, and his dependence on an army of advisers to prepare his teleprompter presentations. His stint as a "community organizer" consisted of working with taxpayer-subsidized Association of Community Organization for Reform Now, which has been indicted on a multiplicity of voter frauds and embezzlement.

— Lou Gates, Westlake Village

McCain-Palin are for change

Country first or change?

These are the choices in this all-important election year. I want both and John McCain and Sarah Palin represent both dynamics. I disagree with the notion that only Barack Obama and Joe Biden offer change. Obama is not experienced in executive matters or foreign policy and Biden has the wrong kind of experience to move our nation forward.

We have been beset by corruption in Washington for a long time in all administrations and U.S. Congresses. The financial crisis is undisputable and major changes are needed. We need the experience of McCain and the progressive mainstream energy and drive of Palin, who is being painted as inexperienced when she clearly has much more executive experience than Obama, and she is running for vice president. She represents us, the everyday regular people of America, and she clearly represents change and the resolve to take on the issues directly and efficiently.

McCain is more than a Vietnam veteran; he is a man of conviction willing to place it all on the line for America. This is a promise to put our country as the first priority. He battled and negotiated with Republicans and Democrats alike and has not just been a mindless follower of the left- or right-wing agendas on the issues. Don't vote Democrat or Republican, vote for the president and vice president who share your most dearly held convictions.

I believe a vote for McCain is a vote for change and we need these mavericks to take on big business, rein in the pork and corruption, establish and maintain national security and get it right for once. This administration will have incredible challenges and McCain will get it done, Obama is a wild card that I am not willing to bet my future on.

— Dan Palmer, Simi Valley

Pleasure to back Hatland

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dennis Hatland since the early 1980s.

When I looked at his Web site, dennishatland.com, I felt honored to be able to endorse such an amazingly qualified man. He has taught all levels in both regular and special education. He has been an administrator, trained seasoned teachers and mentored new teachers. He is always well-read and up-to-date educationally and professionally. He stays informed of litigation from the state as well as the nation. I trust him always to make the best decision for the students involved as he sees beyond the obvious.

My favorite memories of Dennis come from the years I worked summer school for Dennis when he was the principal. I can recall him contacting me in April to start our preparation and planning for the coming summer program. He already had a notebook ready to go with lots of fun and stimulating ideas for the students.

I remember learning being fun and memorable for all. Students loved to come to school. He presents as a lovely, caring, gentleman with lots of energy and well-informed ideas.

What a privilege to be able to endorse such a worthy, exemplary, capable and well-qualified candidate: Dennis Hatland for the Conejo Valley Unified School District board.

— Becky Green, Thousand Oaks

Positive change for CVUSD

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

These are words most of us have heard, maybe even used to justify not making a change. But these words are not always right. Sometimes, even when something seems to be working just fine, we have the opportunity to make a change that will make it work superbly. This is one of those times.

The Conejo Valley Unified School District is a very good one with a reputation that many school districts dream of. One might say that it works just fine. But with the many challenges facing the school district, the leadership at the school board level can and will make all the difference in whether that reputation for excellence is continued. Dennis Hatland, with 31 years of experience in education on a number of levels, brings the kind of big-picture vision needed to face these challenges head on. He also has the skills, determination, optimism and creativity to see the opportunity that comes with these challenges and use those opportunities to provide the highest quality of education for all of the children in the district.

I strongly urge you to visit his Web site at http://www.dennishatland.com to learn more, and then to exercise your privilege to vote Nov. 4.

— Maureen McTeer, Simi Valley

How would Masry vote?

In 2005, three Thousand Oaks council members decided to skip an election and appoint one of their own when our good friend, Councilman Edward Masry, passed away. So gleeful were those three, Jacqui Irwin, Andy Fox and Dennis Gillette, they did not wait until after Edward's memorial service and burial had finished. Mourners were forced to go to a hastily called council meeting in order to protest any appointment, but our pleas fell on deaf ears.

Even more offensive to the 32,000 people who voted for Edward, the highest vote-getter in Thousand Oaks' history, was that he was replaced with someone who had personally and viciously attacked him in political mailers. Tom Glancy apparently never heard of Masry or "Erin Brockovich" when he vilified him, with lurid pictures of drug paraphernalia and accusations of cults mailed to every household in Thousand Oaks.

When Glancy was publicly asked about his actions, he claimed he could not remember. Whether Glancy remembers his horrific actions or is denying them, he does not deserve our votes.

It saddens me to think that while our servicemen and women are in harm's way, here at home our precious freedom to vote for our own representatives was stolen from us. I'll never forget Edward, and I can't forget that Irwin and Glancy danced on my dear friend's grave the very day he was buried.

If Edward Masry were still alive, I am very sure he would support council candidates with integrity like Holly La Rue and Al Adam who trust the wisdom of the people of Thousand Oaks to elect their own representatives.

— Debbie Gregory, Thousand Oaks

Holden re-energizes Oxnard

I am endorsing Tom Holden for re-election to mayor of Oxnard, not because I have known him all my life, but because he is truly committed, with a fire in his belly, to continue to bring Oxnard back to life with a vengeance.

Holden was very instrumental in the development of downtown's Centennial Plaza, brought A Street back to life, has kept crime down in the city and in our neighborhoods, instituted the very successful Graffiti Action Patrol, and must be applauded for the successful economic standing that the city currently is in. I frequent the downtown area several times a week — which I never did prior to its resurgence under Holden leadership — to have a cup of coffee or to just stroll from the new city building to Fifth and A streets, and have seen Holden greeting people as he makes his way to lunch or to attend a meeting. He continues to be deeply committed to seeing our city and its residents thrive in a re-evolved, clean, safe and healthy community.

I urge everyone to vote on Nov. 4 and to cast a ballot for Holden to continue to successfully lead Oxnard to its fullest potential.

— Trish Diacos, Oxnard

Jackson serves the people

Hannah-Beth Jackson is running against Tony Strickland for the 19th Senate District. This race may be the most important local race in this area in a long time. In addition, it may be the most important state Senate race in California this year.

California and the 19th district need Hannah-Beth Jackson because she will represent the citizens of our district, not the party bosses. She is smart, dedicated, experienced, passionate and, most importantly, she knows how to work together with people to forge solutions.

Jackson will protect and enhance the economy, the environment, the business community, public safety, public education, transportation, our water supply, the infrastructure and other essential government functions.

California desperately needs effective legislative leaders who can work with California's diverse needs and people. California needs leaders like Jackson who are good communicators, superior listeners and who possess other essential skills needed to be an effective legislator. Jackson is someone who can bypass polarized party politics and work for what is good for California and its people.

Good government starts with people who can work successfully in the midst of people with different views. We need leaders who can solve problems by communicating with other leaders to help California remain the Golden State.

Too many politicians do not understand their one and only job is to serve the people. Jackson is a proven, high-quality, legislative leader who comprehends this.

Please join me and help California by supporting Hannah-Beth Jackson for state Senate.

— Stephen P. Blum, Ventura

(The writer is president of Ventura Unified Education Association and a trustee with the Ventura County Community College District. — Editor)

Congress doesn't know much

Most members of Congress have as their primary motivation being the successful candidate in the next election. The result of their inability to understand complex issues and their poor job performance has been to allow our schools, infrastructure, economy, healthcare systems and, most recently, the banking system, to deteriorate. Both the Reds and the Blues split their votes when they voted on the bailout proposal. They did not vote based on philosophical differences or their critical analysis of the issues. They simply did not understand the issues, solutions or how to prevent it from happening again.

I have followed U.S. Reps. Lois Capps and Elton Gallegly in the media, and I have read their newsletters and press releases. I am shocked at how little they understand and how they mindlessly vote the party line, except in the bailout proposal, where clear party lines did not exist.

Call them both. Talk to them. Make up your mind if you really want them to represent your interests. If they will not talk to you, it's because they don't want you to know how little they know.

Fire the incumbents.

— Harvey Paskowitz, Oxnard

Gallegly walks the talk

Re: Joseph Klemowicz's Oct. 7 letter, "Time to replace Gallegly":

Klemowicz misrepresents Rep. Elton Gallegly's interest and representation of people in the 24th District. In addition to his false descriptions of our loyal congressman, Klemowicz attempts to endorse the candidacy of Marta Ann Jorgensen, a "progressive" Democrat endorsed by liberal Democrats like Maxine Waters. Simply put, Jorgensen's views do not coincide with the majority views of 24th District residents. To see where Gallegly stands on the important issues affecting us and our nation, go to http://www.gallegly.com/issues.php.

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Gallegly prior to the beginning of the Moorpark Country Days Parade. Gallegly was very approachable and friendly to all present. It was obvious he cares deeply for all community members through his continued hard work in Washington. Gallegly spoke of his efforts to enhance the safety of not only of our local Ventura and Santa Barbara counties' residents, but also of our entire nation.

When it comes to doing the right thing, Gallegly walks the talk for all citizens of the 24th District. On Nov. 4, please join me in re-electing Rep. Elton Gallegly.

— Cliff Williams, Camarillo

Intent of Prop. 8 disguised

Many people are confused about Proposition 8 because it is mistitled as an elimination of rights for homosexuals. This is not true. In California, registered domestic partners have all the rights, benefits and protections of married spouses.

Proposition 8 is not about equal rights. It is not even about tolerance. Proposition 8 merely reaffirms the definition of marriage that has been part of our American society, and most modern societies, since the beginning.

Many people say that giving homosexuals the right to marry will not affect their own marriages. In the short run, that may be true, but considering the long-term consequences, it is false. If homosexual marriage is affirmed as a morally equal alternative to marriage between a man and a woman, it will affect us all, but particularly our children and grandchildren. As soon as homosexual marriage is affirmed, it will become necessary for public schools to teach our children and grandchildren that homosexual marriage — and therefore homosexuality — is normal, acceptable and moral behavior. Textbooks and storybooks will be rewritten to indoctrinate children in this new morality.

Many people believe that homosexuality is not normal, but unnatural and unhealthy. (No one is mentioning AIDS.) We are already faced with a constant barrage of gay-pride parades, TV shows and movies with homosexual elements and a never-ending list of new laws to protect and enlarge homosexual rights. If Proposition 8 fails, the rights of those who take a moral stand against homosexuality will be completely overridden.

Do not be deceived. The fight against Proposition 8 is not about equal rights but about promoting the homosexual agenda and lifestyle. Vote yes on Proposition 8.

— Kay Kirk, Ventura

It's not good to lie

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." — First Amendment, U.S. Constitution.

Recent ads and letters to churches want you to think your "pastor, priest, minister, bishop or rabbi" is going to be forced to perform gay marriages that are in direct conflict with your church's beliefs.

That is a lie, pure and simple. Our forefathers had the good sense to separate church and state. No one can force a religious group to perform a marriage. For example, Catholics are free to refuse to marry non-Catholics.

So, it is not true that upholding the freedom to marry for everyone will have anything to do with religious groups. It is good to vote no on Proposition 8 and it is not good to lie.

— Mary-Frances O'Connor, Ventura

Women can parent and work

Re: Miriam Lefkowitz's Oct. 8 letter, "Not stay-at-home mom":

To answer Lefkowitz: My wife raised our three children, worked full time and went to school to make a better life for us and our children. Can you imagine the outrage if I or any other male said Sara Palin should stay home in the kitchen?

— Phil Poulsen, Port Hueneme,