Guest Editorial: Suza Francina
Why I am Voting for Lenny Klaif
From Suza Francina, former Mayor, City of Ojai
During my tenure on the Ojai City Council, I nominated Lenny Klaif to take the place of a council member who was unable to complete her term. From working with him on numerous environmental causes, I saw that he had the integrity, strength of character and the leadership skills necessary to be an asset on the Council.
I voted for Lenny Klaif previously and I will be voting for him again.
Lenny Klaif has a long history of opposing super-sized developments that make a mockery of our small-town General Plan. I first met Lenny in the early 90's when Rite Aid wanted to take up residence in the old bowling alley. Lenny and other citizens worked with local merchants to form the Citizens for a Chain Free Ojai. He applied his skills as an attorney to the task of opposing chain-stores that would destroy the uniqueness of our small town.
Over the years, I have heard Lenny Klaif speak eloquently behind the podium, time and time again, in an effort to steer our City Council in a direction that would enhance the beauty of Ojai, not destroy it. While on the City Council I was under tremendous pressure to vote for projects like Los Arboles that are not in keeping with our village atmosphere. I was the only council-member to vote no. Lenny was there behind the podium reminding those of us on the Council to fight to preserve our small town character.
As an attorney, Lenny Klaif is uniquely qualified to understand the legal language of the documents that council members must wade through prior to every meeting. Lenny Klaif has the background to double check the advice handed down by our City Manager and City Attorney that influences every critical decision made by our Council.
You have three votes for three seats on the Ojai City Council. Please save one of your three votes for Lenny Klaif .
Sincerely,
Suza Francina
former Mayor of Ojai
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Comments (1)
Considering the source, this speaks volumes.It has been a real education for me to join the political process,but more important to watch people of this community voice concerns about what they have here, what changes they would like to see, and how much of an uncommon place Ojai is, as are those who chose to live here. Even the Republicans are feisty and different, and I've had
many interesting exchanges,
as well as hearing from the old guard who have probably been around for better or for worse. And I
am not embarrassed to be associated with an older RV
that may offend some but reminds me of the little engine that could- off the set of a nostalgic Walt Disney movie on small town USA.
Comment #1 Posted by: Pete LaFollette | November 2, 2006 09:46 AM