Former board members are wrong
Re: Elaine Freeman, Gene Hostetler, Mark Johnson, and Kate O’Brien’s April 24 letter, “Abele has shown lack of respect”:
Former Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District board members Elaine Freeman, Gene Hostetler, Mark Johnson, and Kate O’Brien claim to regret appointing me nearly 10 years ago. The voters clearly disagree.
I was elected in 2018 after decisively defeating Hostetler and overwhelmingly re-elected in 2022, receiving more than three times the votes of last-place finisher Johnson.
Notably, during the 2022 campaign, O’Brien endorsed me as “a principled and passionate advocate for our constituency.” That hardly suggests longstanding concern.
What some former officials call “disrespect” is more accurately candid disagreement and accountability on issues important to residents.
I successfully pushed to televise board meetings and provide Zoom access to increase transparency and public participation. I successfully advocated for more pickleball courts, fought to keep youth sports affordable, and insisted on making mental health part of our mission. One or more of the former board members opposed these efforts at some point.
Additionally, a majority took exception when I consistently voiced strong opposition to tax assessment increases.
Their attacks appear to be an attempt to defend an outgoing district manager who has repeatedly disrespected residents and sent unprofessional late-night text messages to board members.
The former board members also falsely claim I refuse to attend training sessions. In reality, I am the board member who most consistently references the principles discussed during mandatory ethics and harassment training, particularly transparency, accountability, and respect for the public.
I was elected to represent residents, not protect management from criticism or participate in an insular political culture where dissent is discouraged.
Government belongs to the people. My responsibility is to faithfully represent the residents who elected me and speak candidly when their interests are being ignored.
Ed Abele, Board Member, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District
Perryman will address jet issues
Over the past five years, residents near our airport have experienced a sharp increase in jet activity that disrupts daily life. Late-night flights shake our homes, interrupt sleep, and drown out community activities in our parks.
With the planned closure of Santa Monica Airport in 2028 and capacity limits at Van Nuys, this problem is likely to worsen — especially if the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves plans this summer to expand private jet facilities under RFP Air 2026-01. Recent airport budget trends also raise valid questions about whether additional private jet hangars truly benefit the public.
We need practical, fair solutions: higher landing fees during late-night and early-morning hours, expanded noise monitoring across affected neighborhoods, and support for home soundproofing in the hardest-hit areas. These are prudent steps that balance economic activity with residents’ well-being.
Mark Perryman, who is running for District 2 Supervisor, has said he is willing to address these concerns.
Our community deserves a voice — and a better balance between quality of life and private use of a public asset.
Wendy Nicolle, Camarillo
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Abele responds to critics, Perryman will take on jet issues | Letters
Reporting by Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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