If you lie, you’ll cry, ‘cause you won’t get our vote

"People see with clear eyes."

This Chinese proverb suggests people see through deceit. Told to me by a friend who dreamed of returning to Shanghai, it fits Thousand Oaks today.

Certified Slow Growth sounds good, but more important than how many houses get built is moral fiber. Ask a Rotarian the basis of Bob Wilson’s Rotary award. Integrity and public service.

Ask a Scout the significance of Michael Farris’ Eagle achievement. Integrity and public service.

A principal under whom Laura Lee Custodio worked said, "One of Ms. Custodio’s most striking strengths is the high value she places on ethics and integrity." Clearly we can believe and trust the Certified Slow Growth candidates.

In contrast, Andy Fox takes more than $10,000 from auto dealers and their employees, more money from others requesting city law waivers, plus questionable donations from nonprofits.

Receiving huge amounts of money from businesses and their employees, Fox disingenuously thanks "residents".

Fox pushed the Hill Canyon golf course, but now claims to have opposed it, filed false Brown Act charges against Linda Parks, uses fire department gear to promote himself in violation of department regulations ... the list of ethical failures goes on and on.

Dan and Mary Jo Del Campo commingle campaign funds. Should one believe Cal Johnston, Cal plus his businesses Lakeview Promenade and Service Station Co, donated $5,000 "to Mary Jo" because of the good job Mary Jo has done as CVUSD trustee?

Or should we believe Johnston donated because Dan granted Johnston waivers allowing his buildings to exceed city building height limits, and Johnston plans to ask for more? Might the Del Campos’ actions subvert the city’s $250 limit on council campaign contributions?

How can residents disgusted by ethical failures of elected officials end this quagmire?

People, see with clear eyes!

On November 5 replace ethical failures with morally sound leaders: Custodio, Farris, Bill-de la Peña and Wilson.

Tom Ritch

Thousand Oaks