Council majority, county supervisor should try to get along

Isn't it about time officials of the city of Thousand Oaks and the county of Ventura stop acting like children?

Neither the City Council nor Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks is innocent in this almost perpetual bickering. The council majority has never forgiven Parks, who when she served on the council was an outspoken critic of almost every project the city chose to pursue. And for her part, Parks apparently likes to embarrass the council majority at every opportunity.

Neither side is above the fray.

The latest battle is over a proposed county-operated equestrian facility near the city's Hill Canyon Waste Water Treatment Plant. Under normal conditions, this project would appear to be a win-win for both the county and the city. Conejo Valley's equestrian community- a substantial constituency- needs places to ride and compete in horse shows.

Instead of showing a spirit of cooperation and basking in the glory of intergovernmental teamwork, city hall has criticized the proposal. Several council members sound like the very people who fought the city tooth and nail on virtually every project the council supported. This time, the Not In My Back Yard whines are coming from the dais, not from the public comment lectern.

It's time for the council majority to smoke a peace pipe with Parks. Both sides should bury the hatchets that have cut and scarred them in the past.

It's unlikely, however, that either side will listen. The wounds of political animosity run deep in Thousand Oaks. The game of one-upmanship will probably continue because of the historical and deep-seated rivalry that began years ago with the election of anti-development zealot Elois Zeanah.

Neither side is willing to reach out to the other because the officeholders represent such distinct and diametrically opposed constituencies.

At the very least, though, city and county should try to nurture respect, even if begrudgingly, for the other.

Just because you disagree, there's no reason to display disrespect. The art of politics is played best by those who are willing to compromise and reach out for common ground.

That's a lesson that's gone too long unlearned by Parks and the City Council majority in Thousand Oaks.