Frields Appointment Inspires Outrage

As a former member and chairman of the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission, I was outraged at the selection of Forrest Frields as commission chairman. Linda Parks, who has served diligently on the commission for more than three years and was the current vice chairwoman, was passed over because of petty and pathetic political machinations.

It is well known in the community that Frields, a local photographer, covets a Thousand Oaks City Council seat. It is his intention to run in the November 1996 election. What excellent exposure for a candidate to be seen chairing a meeting on cable television every Monday night.

The public should hold Frields accountable for his disgraceful power grab this November. Moreover, the public has an opportunity to replace one of the commissioners who supported this move, John Powers, by not reelecting Councilman Michael Markey, who appointed Powers. This dishonorable conduct should not be allowed to continue in our city.

GREG COLE, DDS

Thousand Oaks

* I wrote this on the morning after the Night of Infamy in our glorious city of Thousand Oaks (“Vice Chair Passed Over for Top Planning Panel Seat, Jan. 9).

At least all the cards are on the table for us to see: Our city is up for sale to the highest bidder. And anyone who stands in the way of this callous disregard for our quality of life is to be brushed aside like an inconvenience.

I want to remind you that Linda Parks has a master’s degree in planning as well as work experience in traffic planning, while Forrest Frields is a photographer. Also, this is the last year of her term, so she is not to get the opportunity to chair a meeting during her four-year term--a first for the city in 30 years.

I suggest that both commissioners Parks and Marilyn Carpenter submit their resignations, while people like myself who have applied to serve on the commission withdraw those applications. Let the majority of three frolic in the pigpen that they have made for themselves. Then we taxpayers can watch in disgust until we boot them out in November.

EKBAL “NICK” QUIDWAI

Thousand Oaks