THOUSAND OAKS : New Group Aims at Better Government

Former Ventura County Supervisor Madge Schaefer and a group of other Thousand Oaks area residents have established an organization aimed at helping Conejo Valley residents improve government efficiency.

Schaefer said the organization, known as Better Ideas for Government, was formed to be a clearinghouse for ideas from people who find themselves grumbling, “Gee, why don’t they do it this way?”

“Those kinds of ideas shouldn’t just sit in somebody’s mind,” said Schaefer, who will serve as the organization’s director.

The group’s board of directors includes residents familiar with various Thousand Oaks government agencies so as to offer a broad array of expertise, Schaefer said. Any ideas or questions submitted will be researched by the board and an answer returned, Schaefer said.

The board includes retired Los Angeles Assistant Fire Chief William Bennett, former Conejo Valley school board member Ellyn Wilkins, longtime Conejo Recreation and Park board member Doris Granholm, former Thousand Oaks City Councilman Bob Lewis, community activist Bob Morrison, former Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce President Joan Young, businessman Mike O’Beirne, and Gibb Poiry, retired General Telephone public affairs executive.

To kick things off, Schaefer has submitted her own idea to the Ventura County Fire District. She said weed abatement notices should not be sent to property owners with a postage prepaid business reply card. Each card costs the county 59 cents, she said.

Residents may telephone or fax their suggestions to the group by calling 497-8170.