A farewell message from Todd Haines

It has been both my pleasure and honor to serve the people of Oak Park since 1995. As my final term comes to an end, I wish to thank the many people who have made my service as a council person so rewarding. Frank Schillo, the former Ventura County supervisor, renewed my faith in government. I was nervous when Mr. Schillo decided not to run for reelection. However, his replacement, Linda Parks, has proven to be his equal.

We are truly blessed to have had such exceptional representatives in the supervisorial position.

The liaisons from the supervisor's office were excellent as well: Ron Stark and Jan Osterhaven. All of the colleagues I have served with have shown a real caring for this area, and I thank each of them.

Kent Behringer was the chair of the MAC when I was first elected. He was intelligent with a lot of street sense. Former school board member Bob Kahn was always extremely well thought out, and I always appreciated (and followed) his input. We are truly lucky that both Bob and Kent chose to live here, and both gentlemen are truly missed.

Harvey Kern of the website Oakparkupdate.com has worked extremely hard on behalf of our community, as has David Ross of the Oak Park Community Foundation. Deena Parry and I always ran for election at the same time, and we were lucky to have had Deena representing us. Chuck Monico and Douglas Hewitson, both council members when I was first elected, were always insightful and intelligent. Steve Iceland also sticks out as one of the real assets of our community.

Finally, I thank my wife, Nicole, and my children, Kelsey, Chad and Trent, for being so supportive.

I will be voting for Alon Glickstein and Derek Ross on the Municipal Advisory Council, and encourage you to do the same. Todd Haines Oak Park

Mr. Haines is retiring from the Oak Park MAC