Special Election

Congratulations to Mayor Jaime Zukowski and Councilwoman Elois Zeanah for their victory at the Thousand Oaks City Council meeting the evening of Dec. 13. Their victory was the decision to conduct a June election in Thousand Oaks to determine a replacement for former Councilman Frank Schillo’s seat on the council.

The city could have been spared the $100,000 cost of the election if Supervisor Schillo had abdicated his seat before the November election, but being a good politician, Supervisor Schillo wanted to play it safe in case he failed in his bid for a seat on the county board. Nevertheless, it must be pointed out that $100,000 for a special election is a small price to pay considering the $85-million investment in the newly completed Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

To those who argue that Mike Markey should fill the seat since he garnered a substantial number of votes in the November election, it must be pointed out that Councilman Schillo’s seat was not vacant during the election. Former Councilman Schillo didn’t resign his seat until after the election. Consequently, the seat is open now and the June election is warranted.

SAMUEL M. ROSEN

Newbury Park