Calabasas council lacks civility

Hats off to former mayor Bob Hill—Old Town Coalition co-founder—and former L.A. City Councilmember Bob Ronka and the community leaders who had the courage to send a letter to voters about the upcoming election. They said what many of us have been thinking for years. My family and many of our friends have been embarrassed by the continuous backbiting, sniping and incivility of some Calabasas City Council members.

I agree with what one of the candidates said during the debates: "the lack of civility of some council members was to blame for the council’s inability to work together and make timely decisions on major projects like our civic center."

Unlike Agoura Hills and Westlake Village (whose civic centers are up and running), ours has been on the drawing board for over eight years and we have yet to break ground.

These needless delays have cost Calabasas taxpayers millions in unnecessary expenses, such as needless rents (on a temporary city hall) and increased costs in production.

Former Mayor Hill’s letter recommends we not re-elect Lesley Devine, but choose instead candidates who show maturity, civility and professionalism. I couldn’t agree with him more and I respect the growing chorus of Calabasas residents who are demanding a change in Calabasas city government.

It’s time for Devine to go.

Zane Widdes

Calabasas