Measure B permits citizens to control their quality of life

After a lot of review and study of what the real issue is with Measure B, I've come to the conclusion that Measure B will not bring Armageddon to Thousand Oaks. While some well-meaning people who I respect may feel and proclaim that this initiative is all about competition, the reality is that it's actually about our future quality of life in Thousand Oaks.

I'm someone who does respect our city officials and the various departments and commissions that work hard to make our lives better here, but I also believe they can be wrong once in a while. I feel we should have the right to be a serious part of the process if we wish to do so.

That's the choice: whether or not we want to exercise our right to vote. The reality is that with very large projects that would adversely affect the circulation of traffic on our streets- and those projects are the only ones that would be affected- why shouldn't we have a voice after backroom agreements or lobbyists have already made their deals with the city?

If that project is truly a good one based on what it will provide for our community, e.g. hospital upgrading, schools, family fun centers, etc., I feel my fellow citizens will know the difference.

Further, we won't have to have a separate vote on each project as some have said. Considering that large projects take at least two years or more to go through the process, they can easily be placed on a regular election's upcoming ballot. The only way a separate election would have to take place is if a developer wants it to happen sooner and is willing to pay for that special election. It will not cost the city and likely would never happen.

What it comes down to pure and simple is do you want to have a say in the future of your community before it's a done deal and you can't do anything about it.

I think not. Your quality of life should be your choice.

Vote "yes" on Measure B.

Howard R. Weisenfeld

Westlake Village