City in denial over that grand jury report

Regarding the grand jury report, finally we have something we can understand and sink some teeth into. Our majority council members are, at last, being held accountable. With every attempt they make to clear themselves of the charges, they become more transparent.

Their underhanded methods are being revealed. City Councilwoman Jacqui Irwin has said, ". . . over the last year council has gotten away from criticizing staff in the newspaper." Recent conflicts, she said, haven't been nearly as severe as those she observed before she was elected.

This big question should now come to your mind: Could that be because they have circumvented the public, using any devious methods they could to rid themselves of anyone who may oppose them? All they have left to discredit is City Councilwoman Claudia Bill-de la Pea, the only one with true leadership qualities, who has righteously stood her ground, in spite of being grossly outnumbered.

Do you notice how they are trying to alienate her--even from discussions? How about the way they vote against any further investigation of this very serious problem we are all suffering from.

Consider what happened to Phil Gatch: Does it not make you wonder if city staff is feeling intimidated by the mighty foursome and feel their jobs may be in jeopardy if they cross them?

Their power grab has been accomplished through very undemocratic, unethical and hurtful ways. Their method of disposing of a longtime dedicated employee, Phil Gatch, then placing their own appointee, Scott Mitnick to city manager, and the finale, giving away a council seat to whomever they choose, rendering the the people powerless to their whims.

They haven't broken the law, just a big breach to human decency and the theft of our rights.

If the citizens of this beautiful Conejo Valley sit by and not take offense to these actions and allow these violations to be glossed over by them, then we deserve what we've got.

I still think there's hope because we have too many intelligent, well educated, motivated people who will not stand for this type of leadership.

Time is running out for them. They have up until November to prove they can do better.

Let's see what positive things they can accomplish for us, the citizens, in the meantime.

We're all watching. Marilee Ullmann Thousand Oaks