Regarding the Acorn March 5 opinion ("It's time for council members to lead"), the Thousand Oaks City Council anticipates budgetary shortfalls for the next two fiscal years of $3.2 million and $4.0 million respectively. To meet the challenge, the City Council will be considering possible reductions for public safety and services. Specifically they've discussed possible cuts in library hours and programs, the elimination of a traffic detective and have left 31 city job positions unfilled. The council just approved a generous buyout package for qualified city employees who wish to retire early.

There's an easier and more equitable way to balance the budget. The council should consider withdrawing its $5 million in matching funds allocated to Conejo Recreation and Parks District (CRPD) for construction of Lang Ranch Community Park.

The initial phase of the threephase Lang Ranch Park construction program will include studies and grading. The balance of the first phase money will be used to build a baseball complex in association with Thousand Oaks Little League that will include six baseball fields, four of which will be lighted. No other park amenities or facilities are under consideration for the first phase. Funding for phases 2 and 3 is unavailable, and in this economic climate the source of that funding is questionable. Lang Ranch Park will not provide the recreational needs for citizens of Thousand Oaks any time soon.

The Thousand Oaks City Council is wrestling with ways to reduce spending for city services and safety while looking for ways to raise taxes and fees. There is $5 million at the council's disposal to balance the budget. CRPD wouldn't be precluded from building a smaller park that the entire community can enjoy. We simply cannot afford a park that we can't use.

In these difficult times, we have had to reassess the priorities in our personal lives. It's time for the City Council and CRPD do the same and, in the words of the Acorn editorial, "Take charge and use their intelligence, experience and judgment to make tough decisions." Ronald Siegel Westlake Village