Editorial in Ventura County Star today...

Did you see this in the paper today? It's interesting to note the real reasons that the park has been in limbo. We've been told it was because of lawsuits. What I question about that allegation, is that if lawsuits were keeping Griffin and the City from building a park, why didn't it keep Griffin and the City from moving forward with Heritage Valley Parks construction?

What do you think?

Fillmore candidate responds
By Patti WalkerOctober 22, 2006
Re: Cecelia Uber's Oct. 13 letter, "Divisiveness isn't needed":

I am not sure where she obtained her information upon which she based her allegations, but she is grossly misled. To clear up the record, I submit the following.

Delay of the C Street Park occurred when Griffin Homebuilding presented a plan to build a residential development on the C Street parkland and where the current wastewater treatment facility is located. The city has continually extended Griffin's exclusive right on the property many times and it was not until just recently that Griffin pulled the rights. It was only then that the plans for the park began moving forward.

I do not understand how Uber could come to the conclusion that I had a hand in the litigation that has plagued the city. Quite the contrary. I was the one who voiced concerns to the council and staff that there were possible violations of the California Environmental Quality Act occurring with respect to the various environmental reports. It was the council that chose to ignore my concerns.

Second, attorneys for the groups that sued the city also issued warnings. Again, those statements were overlooked.

Uber's accusation that I leaked documents from executive session is also erroneous. If memory serves me, she is referring to her continued allegation that a map was distributed during one session and I simply walked out the door with it in hand. First, it is impossible for that to have occurred as there was never a map distributed. Second, I wonder who told her a map was discussed. And, third, did she ever question Mr. Moore as to where he obtained the map? I am sure if she had, she would have learned the chain of hands the map traveled prior to it landing in his. I can assure you it was never in mine.

She is correct in stating that I was censured for writing a letter to my congressman on my personal stationery, the purpose of which was my concern for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Fillmore, as well as those who reside in the county. As a citizen, it was not only my right to communicate with my representative, but, more importantly, my duty.

And, finally, it is well within her rights to state that, in her opinion, I was disruptive and there existed divisiveness among the council. I beg to differ. It was my responsibility as a representative of the citizens of Fillmore, to be fully informed on the issues, to be fiscally responsible, and strive for fair and open governance. I believe I fulfilled my responsibilities.

— Patti Walker, Fillmore