Suza Francina for Ojai City Council

By Suza Francina

Letter to the Residents of Ojai

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.

This race will be strongly contested by those who would turn Ojai into an exclusive enclave for the wealthy. We need your support to stop this trend.

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