An Open Letter to Ojai Residents
Dear Friend and Resident of Ojai,
There are two open seats on the Ojai City Council.
I am asking for your vote for one of them.
My return to the council will give residents the
transparent, responsible government they deserve. I will work hard to
protect Ojai's unique village atmosphere while keeping our town affordable
for families of all income levels.
I served on the City Council from 1996 to 2000, and as
Mayor for the last year of that term. Many citizens have urged me to run
again now that more people understand that my proposals to create a model
green and sustainable city are simply common sense. During the past eight
years, I have continued to research the shift toward green thinking. I
applaud and support the hard work done by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition.
Conservation is now the watchword of every conscientious
government and business around the world. As we grow increasingly aware of
traffic congestion, pollution, water shortages, global warming, and other
issues, we are forced to confront the fact that sound economic development
must be tied to environmental responsibility.
I am most concerned about the inappropriate development
that is eroding Ojai's unique status. The City of Ojai's General Plan is a
clear mandate for "small town character." I was the only member of the City
Council to oppose the Los Arboles condominiums. I believe in "Better,
not bigger." The scale of recent projects and proposed building projects
violates our City's mandate to preserve our village atmosphere.
When facing development decisions, I will ask: "Are we
looking at the land as something embedded in an ecosystem, with a history and
a future that extends beyond our area and life span? Or do we see it as a
"blank canvas" on which you can draw something that will make investors a
short-term profit at the expense of our one-of-a-kind village?"
In the fifty-one years that I've lived in Ojai I've worn
many hats: mother of two children who attended local schools, small-business
owner, yoga and therapeutic exercise instructor for seniors, professional
writer on health and environmental issues, and health advocate for seniors.
I'm also a consultant for research studies on yoga, and the author of four
books.
The Ojai Valley is one of the most beautiful and sacred
places on earth. Our economy, our tourist industry and our quality of life
depend on protecting its uniqueness. Together, we can preserve the spirit of
Ojai and become a model green community for the whole world to admire!
Please share this letter with your Ojai friends and
neighbors. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming forums and events, and
listening to your ideas, questions and concerns.
Sincerely,
Suza Francina
Learn more about Suza at SmartVoter.org
Ventura County Star Interview with Suza Francina
Suza Francina for Ojai City Council
Therese Hartmann, Treasurer
511 W. Eucalyptus Street
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-2613 cell: (805) 603-8635