Let Government Know You’re Watching

This is being written on Nov. 5, the day before the election. By the time this is printed, we will know the names of our new elected officials, from water boards to governor.

Regardless of the results, the promises made by the winners and the charges made in the heat of battle, the needs of Ventura County are still present. Gridlock, water shortages, improved educational opportunities for our children and making government live within a budget are just some of the issues that need to be addressed quickly.

While not all of the candidates I supported won, I realize that it is the winners who will legislate. The time for hard feelings and recriminations is over. I also hope that the winners understand they must represent all the citizens, not just those they think supported them.

An officeholder has the responsibility of working on behalf of all citizens, not just special-interest groups. The problems of Ventura County, and all of California, are too large to leave out the needs and knowledge those who didn’t support the winners.

As citizens, I urge all of us to get involved. Go to public hearings, City Council and Board of Education meetings. Meet your Assembly and state Senate members, visit your congressman. Also, go to public forums and write letters to the editor. If we want to clean up politics and government, if we want the politicians to live up to their promises, they need to know we are watching.

STEPHEN R. FRANK

Simi Valley