President Obama recently announced that citizens should be "watch dogs" for local governments.

Claudia Bill-de la Peña did her job as a T.O. City Council member and exercised her "watch dog" responsibility. She wants Thousand Oaks city government to show restraint with travel trips out of the area during the economic crisis.

The Acorn editorial and Mr. Ron Bauer, a retired bureaucrat, criticized Ms. Bill-de la Peña for speaking out. I was once criticized by Mr. Bauer. He said I should be "reined in." I wouldn't be surprised if he thinks Dr. Billde la Peña and Mr. Parks should also "rein in" their wives.

Thousand Oaks has had the privilege of having a "watch dog" mentality. So far, Thousand Oaks has held a quality of life, which has come out of compromise. Thank you to all watch dogs, old and new! Suzanne Duckett Thousand Oaks