Letters to the editor: Endorsements for T.O. Council, Board of Supervisors

Voting for Engler for T.O. Council

My husband and I have known Bob Engler for more than 15 years as a member of the T.O. Kiwanis Club; as a neighbor; as a member of the Thousand Oaks City Council; and now, our mayor. In all the roles in which I have known Bob, he has been dedicated to service for the people of our community.

As a Kiwanian, Bob was the president of his local club and then the lieutenant governor of his Kiwanis district. And he has been the chair of our Student Leadership Program, comprising elementary, middle school, high school, and college service clubs.

In all those roles, he has encouraged and supported members to provide service.

As our neighbor, Bob has been an active member of the planning committee for neighborhood gatherings and activities. And he has always been ready and willing to provide a helping hand to any neighbor who reaches out. He walks around the neighborhood, greeting people as he goes with a welcoming smile.

As a member of the Thousand Oaks City Council for three years and the mayor for the last year, Bob has been an exemplary leader. He has listened to those who spoke and made decisions after a thorough investigation into what would be best for the residents of our town. He was calm and level-headed even when he disagreed. And he is not afraid to change his mind when he sees a different way.

These are just a few of the reasons that my husband and I will be voting for Bob Engler for the T.O. City Council on Nov. 8. I hope you will too.

Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford, Thousand Oaks

Gorell isn’t well-informed

When Jeff Gorell speaks about himself 90%, boasting “I am this” and “I did that,” and speaks little about Ventura County and what he might do as Supervisor to improve Ventura County. Jeff Gorell apparently is not well-informed on the issues facing Ventura County.

Gorell has a job since 2015 because Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, gave him a job because they are “Navy Reserve buddies.” As L.A. Deputy Mayor for seven years, Gorell was in charge of the abysmal Los Angeles COVID-19 response.

When Gorell gave Garcetti notice that he intended to run for Ventura County Supervisor, Garcetti created a job for Gorell as “L.A. Homeland Security Czar,” and then Gorell went immediately on leave, not getting paid but still receiving benefits at L.A. taxpayers’ expense. Gorell only survives due to patronage jobs provided by Garcetti. Gorell as Supervisor will bring Los Angeles County to Ventura County.

Gorell gets his campaign financed primarily through a corporate PAC, a smear Claudia PAC, oil interests and real estate developers. He has little support from the residents of Ventura County. He cares little for the little people. If he is Supervisor, who will he represent in his actions as Supervisor besides himself?

In contrast, Claudia Bill-de la Peña is an intelligent, experienced public servant with a good heart and compassion for people. She is an honest person with high moral integrity. She is not an ideologue, she considers all the facts of the matter before taking a position and taking action.

Bill-de la Peña understands the issues facing Ventura County because she has served the people of Ventura County in various roles for over 20 years.

Paul H. Johnson, Santa Rosa Valley

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Endorsements for T.O. Council, Board of Supervisors