Is this Oz?

Last Tuesday night I witnessed scores of local people giving their various opinions about the Broome Ranch annexation on TV.

It appears that more regular citizens are showing up to be heard at our City Council meetings. The activists and political types are always present, but it is refreshing to see so many people, whatever their views, practicing democracy. Perhaps it’s due to the overall civility of all the City Council members lately, but whatever it is, it’s great!

Ed Masry, always logical and to the point, the ultimate Scarecrow; Bob Wilson, confronts and questions tough issues like the brave Cowardly Lion, and Claudia de la Peña, seems to blend compassion, composure and cunning: a dead on Tin Man.

Brains, bravery and heart, a community where ideas and views are respected and welcomed is the stuff of legend. We’re not in Kansas anymore: we’ve made it to Oz!

Now if I could only figure out who’s Toto?

Carol St. Williams

Thousand Oaks