Schillo’s Proposed Ban on ‘Grandstanding’

Ventura County Supervisor Frank Schillo has apparently forgotten his place in the scheme of local politics: He is a representative of the voters. [On Oct. 23, Schillo proposed a law banning “grandstanding” by fellow politicians.]

And as such, Schillo has a duty to see that the will of the voters is expressed in all deliberations by the Board of Supervisors. If that expression causes the meeker board members to cringe in fear and dismay, then so be it: Freedom of expression, especially in political deliberation, should not be sacrificed in exchange for some unclear goal of administrative efficiency.

I, for one, hope for the day when the representative of my neighbors and myself to the board fully expresses our interests, efficiently or not. Until that day, I see no reason to pass a new law limiting the freedom of political expression, either in public or behind the closed doors of our elected wheelers and dealers.

Schillo should be aware that there are laws and mechanisms in place to ensure the efficient administration of government. Every so often, the voters have an opportunity to see that their Board of Supervisors acts efficiently and in their interests. It’s called an election.

The premise behind the election is to let the voters decide who the “grandstanders” are. Your job [as our representative] is to make sure that we know who’s expressing what during board deliberations so we can take steps to see that local government is working efficiently. We can’t do that if you muffle expression.

Gary Selvaggio

Simi Valley