In response to Louis Goldman’s letter of Sept. 9 (“Explanation given on improvements for the Auto Mall”), I’d like to put forth that the confusion over the Auto Mall project isn’t mine.

Citizens of this community don’t want any such TV or billboard or anything like that on the most beautiful urban portion of the 101 Freeway.

If the Auto Mall doesn’t spend the money on that eyesore, they can pay the $2 million they want the city to pay for parking and signage.

By the way, the City Council has already approved design costs for this project. That’s where angled parking belongs with wider streets and less traffic than The Lakes.

Automobile dealers can put their billboard in Oxnard in front of that Auto Mall.

The money they save should be spent in T.O. They can offer a $500 discount to residents and advertise in the Acorn instead of just the L.A. Times and the Star.

It’s sad that this council race will likely come down to money.

The auto dealers aren’t funding my campaign. I’m spending less than $2,500, and every advertising dollar is going to the Acorn, except for signage.

I’m a board member of my homeowners association, a business member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club, in the Writer’s Club, and I support youth sports.

I’m not sending out direct mail pieces, which are bad for the environment. I won’t be telemarketing or knocking on doors, which I personally resent.

I’m accepting $5 donations in exchange for a “1OOOAKS LOVER” license plate frame.

My platform is “The Buck Stops Here.” Stop unwise spending. Keep T.O. dollars in T.O. And bring business thinking to city government where there currently is none.

I’m asking for one of your three votes. I need to beat one incumbent and nine challengers.

I will bring balance and fresh ideas to either the Fox/Gillette ticket or the Bill-de la Peña/Adam ticket.

By voting for Billy Martin, you can prove that you can’t be bought, and together we can make a great community even greater. Billy Martin Thousand Oaks