City Council members unanimously elected the most experienced among them to lead the council through difficult economic times.

Mayor Dennis Gillette was voted into office during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Gillette, a 46-year-resident, has been serving as an elected official in Thousand Oaks for 22 years.

This is his third time as mayor.

“Residents in Thousand Oaks have very high expectations for the services they receive and the people they have in office to deliver those services,” he said.

He served for 25 years as a deputy, became the police chief of T.O. and was the second in command of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

Gillette also worked as a vice president at California Lutheran University.

“I care deeply about this community,” Gillette said.

He said his goals are to maintain a balanced budget and improve the local economy, improve both local and regional public transit, devote attention to senior issues, serve “as a champion for environmental initiatives” and preserve and enhance “the community’s first-rate public safety services.”

He claimed there are early signs of a global economic recovery, but noted the picture for California remains challenging as estimates for state 2010 budget shortfalls run well into the billions.

Last year the state raided the city’s coffers by nearly $10 million, he said.

He plans to focus on enhancing services for seniors, hoping to financially assist those facing the challenge of mobile home park closures. He also hopes to provide a senior activities center in Newbury Park and enhancements for Dial-A-Ride, he said.

Securing more federal and state money for the 101/23 Freeway interchange improvements is also a priority, he said.

He also plans to keep looking into alternative fire protection.

“It’s imperative the City Council retain its focus to ensure that all Thousand Oak residents and businesses receive the fire services they deserve and pay for,” he said.

—Nancy Needham