Dissidents used

Gatch for their selfish purposes

I moved to the city of Thousand Oaks in February 1976 and for the longest time there was cohesiveness and teamwork for the betterment of the city. I have watched this wonderful city go from a very positive atmosphere to one of constant pot stirring by those with their own agendas and an attitude of the end justifies the means.

I was happy to hear so many people at the Thousand Oaks City Council meeting (last) week. It was a pleasure to have respectful people speak factually in support of Councilmembers Andy Fox, Dennis Gilette and Jacqueline Irwin.

The group of people who have spoken ostensibly in support of outgoing city manager Phil Gatch could learn a lot from these speakers. Unfortunately, the people supporting Mr. Gatch were the same group of failed city council candidates and other members of the well-financed Save the Conejo 2000 political action committee, which uses every conceivable opportunity to attack Fox, Gillette and Irwin.

A true leader is one who is strong in principle and perseveres when having to make difficult decisions. Leaders have access to information that we as the general public don’t always have and must make their decisions based on what is best for the community as a whole, not just for a few very vocal people. It does not help when you have the news media who only care about getting a story, whether factual or not, and printing it without researching and getting all of the facts.

I would like to add my thanks to Fox for his leadership. True leadership is rare and not always quickly recognizable. I respectfully ask the local newspapers to remember the behavior of both the Save the Conejo 2000 group and our council majority of Fox, Gillette and Irwin. The credibility gap is undeniable.

Pamela S. Kelty

Westlake Village