Westlake readers comment on the upcoming election

I was surprised that The Acorn did not cover the Oct. 11 Westlake Village City Council debate which I thought was very telling of the candidates.

The debate had all four candidates answering each question, which made it easy to compare them. Since there wasn't an article on it, my impression of the debate was as follows:

Ted Corwin was approachable, likable and to the extent that he had access to the facts in the city, had a reasonable approach and an open mind.

Ned Davis had a good handle on the facts, especially when you realize that he's not on the City Council today. Ned's positive attitude and sensible approach to everything is what I would want to see in every council member.

Philippa Klessig clearly had the best handle on the facts and a track record to support her beliefs, thoughts and motivations.

I was somewhat concerned to see that Carol Kirschbaum did not have all of her facts in order. To say there were 10 to 15 boat slips available was misleading when 122 people are on the wait list, and someone new will wait three to four years. The same goes with her lack of understanding of the budget, finances and the sports park project. But what really concerned me was her portrayal that we've "lost the village" and her apparent anger.

I think our City Council has done an excellent job trying to balance both commerce and community. Those of us who have had the privilege to live in this beautiful city would agree that we are truly blessed and fortunate. Mark Adler Westlake Village

All four candidates for Westlake City Council promise to "preserve the 'city in the country'," develop "beautiful streetscape enhancements," "retain character and charm of our city" and "keep our friendly opencountry feeling." These are direct quotes, one from each of the candidates' own statements. I would like to see each candidate prove their commitment to these campaign promises by taking down the campaign signs that litter our greenbelts, streetscapes and roads.

These signs offer no information other than blasting the candidates' names and instead provide distracting eyesores. Are we supposed to be reading and counting the number of signs while we drive in order to determine whom to vote for?

In addition, the excessive signs are not consistent with a city that prides itself on "going green" and saving waste. Finally, many of the signs are posted on private properties, such as homeowners' association land, without the consent of the property owner.

Most of the candidates statements reveal little distinction between their goals. I personally will vote for the candidates that show us that they really do care about keeping the charm in Westlake Village by taking their signs down and letting their actions speak louder than their names. Beverly Brutzkus Westlake Village