Mayor’s Behavior Called Insulting

On Jan. 23, I appeared before the Thousand Oaks City Council to address issues regarding the $35-million Gateway project at Westlake and Thousand Oaks boulevards. Mayor Andy Fox announced that speakers would be limited to three minutes instead of the usual five minutes. I had prepared my presentation for five minutes and asked the mayor’s indulgence in granting me this time. I then proceeded and when the three minute times sounded, Mayor Fox interrupted me and told me to “wind up [my] comments.” A gracious woman from the audience who realized the merit of my comments called out to Mayor Fox, saying she would allocate her time to me. Mayor Fox abruptly refused. Mayor Fox again interrupted me and curtly said, “Take your seat, you’re done, you’re done, you’re done.”

I have no hidden agendas and no interest in challenging Mayor Fox. However, I have been an active community member for 12 years. I have consistently and diligently defended city standards and policies and I know that my participation has made a difference over the years.

The effect of Mayor Fox’s regimented procedure is to inhibit and stifle the public forum, which is the foundation of the democratic process. Mayor Fox’s desire to control the meetings and his impersonal style when talking to staff, fellow council members and members of the public are belittling, insulting and professionally unacceptable.

Mayor Fox was offensive and rude. In my opinion he has said to the citizens of Thousand Oaks that he doesn’t want to hear our point of view or allow us to publicly speak.

There is no need to wonder why citizens are reluctant to appear before him and the council. Mayor Fox’s self-righteousness will not catch my vote next time around.

HALLIE BLAU

Thousand Oaks