Incumbents win votes of confidence

When Thousand Oaks voters went to the polls on Tuesday, the prevailing attitude was "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That's why Andy Fox, Dennis Gillette and Claudia Bill-de la Peña were reelected.

It also means that two major constituencies will continue to be heard in city politics.

While it's true that the city is approaching build-out and that virtually every candidate promised controlled growth and preservation of open space, many Bill-de la Peña voters were unconvinced that Fox and Gillette have the same enthusiasm for slow growth that she has.

As surely as Bill-de la Peña has her constituency, so do Fox and Gillette, two incumbents who also understand the importance of the city's business community. Thousand Oaks is a better place because of its employers, retailers and service providers, and Fox and Gillette know it.

The city of Thousand Oaks is in good hands.

If debate could be less contentious, the city would be nearly perfect.

Voters also saw the importance of preserving the status quo on the Conejo Valley Unified School District Board of Education.

Just as Bill-de la Peña will remember those who elected her, so will trustee Michael Dunn.

Voters are hopeful that Pat Phelps, Tim Stephens and Dunn will continue to keep an excellent school district on a sound path.

Disagreements in representative government are common. It's a reflection of reality. Everyone can, however, maintain civility-even when they disagree.

Congratulations to all of the winners. Now get to work and make a great community even better.