Letter to Voters

By Lynn Doyle Cogdill

I'm running for City Council to be your voice. I'm the owner of a small business and a Youth Activist. I have worked in the community since 1980 with organizations beneficial to children. KIDS WIN WITH LYNN! I'm available to you on Wednesday, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Spaceplay, 2855 Johnson Dr. Ventura.

I have seen the red tape that city employees and other agencies have to go through just to accomplish a simple goal or task. The cost of tape is too expensive and time consuming. A better tomorrow for our children can't wait on red tape.

I am in favor of the sports complex. But, let's go into it as a partnership with a minor or major league team so that it will off-set the cost. Bring in private industry to help in creating this complex would save millions of dollars that can be put to other uses. There also has to be a method put into place so that all children in the community has access. With the park complex at the proposed site, we must make sure that the Midtown and Westside children have ample means to use this facility. This is a project for all the people of Ventura to use.

Why do we have to go to L. A. or Santa Barbara to see a ball game, concert, horse show or a special event ? We need to give our children new experiences in our own community. This would also help in drawing new business into Ventura along with tourism. Other cities have been capitalizing on our citizens due to their investment into their community. We should be doing the same. Lets see the city grow in areas of education and recreation. Not population.

We need to create new events in our city. We have the best weather in the world. Let's capitalize on this to increase our city's revenues. With increased revenues our city can have the capability to help in designing better programs for the citizens of Ventura. People drive right past our city every day to events that could be held here. Let's have the tourist stop at the doors of Ventura.

Police Department, Fire Department, and Parks & Recreation Department need their funding restored for the public safety of our citizens. There is a program through the Police Department called P.A.L. that could benefit with these funds along with other children's groups. Developing programs through our Fire Department such as the Explorers Program or enhancing programs already installed. No child should be denied access to sports or cultural activities due to finances. We should develop ways to enhance our youth not deny them.

Measure C : I believe that the people in our community would benefit from the churches generous offer to build additional sporting fields, a multi-purpose building and classrooms. This is unique in its concept. Because it does not cost the city or tax payer any funds. They have no intentions on building a housing tract as others might have you believe. There is no zoning ordinance for churches or parking. We need to ask the city planners why? Is your church going to run into the same problems when you want to improve the community. This is a great opportunity for all of us. Let them build to help create a community of unity.

Our senior citizens have been neglected long enough. These are our residents of history. They were the ones that built Ventura through their hard work and sacrifices to give us the best city in America. Its our turn to step up to the plate and insure that their needs are met with speed and effectiveness. Why can't we not look into our past and say, thank you for giving us such a beautiful place to live. What can we do to make your lives easier and how can we learn from your experiences so we can grow together? Transportation is one issue that needs to be improved upon on a continuous basis. The knowledge that they hold is priceless to our young.

I would listen to the resident and city employees in our community and serve you well . A public servant must be aware of the public's needs and wants. This enables your choice of representation to make proper decisions that will benefit all of Ventura. I will always be available to the citizens of our great City of Ventura.

I will not be seeking any funds from other individuals, companies, corporations or organizations. This candidate will finance his own campaign. I will represent the community and hear your voices and not those of special interest. I will follow our decision as a community in the direction that it's citizens want to take.

I'm a common man with common solutions for common problems. All problems are common with common sense.

I'm available to you on Wednesday, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Spaceplay, 2855 Johnson Dr. Ventura. I would enjoy your opinion and comments on our city's future.

Lynn Doyle Cogdill, Candidate for City Council