Last Wednesday, I went over to city hall to attend a forum for the Thousand Oaks City Council candidates hosted by the League of Woman Voters. I wanted to see what the candidates had to offer for the future of our city.

While the host asked all kinds of questions, ranging from campaign contributions to development, it became clear who was in command of the issues and who was genuine and not some career politician with slick answers.

After two hours of debating, I was impressed with Claudia Billde la Peña and Janet Wall. I had followed city issues for a while, and Bill-de la Peña confirmed that she has her finger on the pulse of our community. Both ladies don't take money from developers.

Claudia and Janet have a clear vision of the meaning of slow growth. Claudia doesn't waste taxpayer dollars, and she is the only councilmember who defended our right to vote.

It was an abomination when Fox, Gillette and Irwin filled the seat of the late Edward Masry last December without our vote.

Fox and Gillette did not make me feel any better about what they had done, no matter how confident they tried to appear. Claudia and Janet shine with their sincerity and integrity. They are what's desperately needed for Thousand Oaks. Claudia and Janet have my vote. Jamie Behar Thousand Oaks