Len Klaif has been "endorsed for election to the Ojai City Council in November, 2010 by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce.”

 

Len Klaif has also been endorsed by The Ventura County Star-

"Mr. Klaif has lived in the city for decades and has been a leader and participant in community activities and civic issues. He is ready for the City Council. He sees a need for housing in Ojai that low- and moderate-income families can afford. He has called the water rates residents are paying a rip-off. Among his goals are reopening the visitors’ center to draw more tourist dollars to the city and to hire a city manger who understands Ojai and its needs."

Ventura County endorsement

 

Further Endorsements:

-Michael Shapiro An Ojai acivist and one of the leaders of Stop the Trucks

WHY I’M ENDORSING LENNY KLAIF FOR THE OJAI CITY COUCIL

While his opponent is a talented individual who brings professional expertise
and experience, only Lenny Klaif adds to his own career as an attorney - years
of regularly attending Ojai City Council meetings.

His constant vigilance and attendance at Ojai City Council meetings – frequently
and actively engaging the Council on a wide variety of issues that are important to
Ojai’s citizens – has truly demonstrated an unyielding interest in, and concern for,
his beloved Ojai while also gaining invaluable experience and understanding of
how to best govern if he were to be elected.

For example, while Lenny Klaif appreciates that our Council must often interact
with be advised by the City Manager and the City Attorney – he also understands
that the City Council is independent of these two offices.

Lenny’s years of interacting as a “citizen activist” at City Council meetings,
combined with his ability to more fully comprehend the numerous legal issues
that often confront the City Council, has uniquely prepared and qualified him for
taking a Council seat himself.

Indeed - Ojai would be well-served having Lenny Klaif elected to its City Council.

Michael Shapiro
Ojai, Ca

-Suza Francina A Former Mayor and City Councilperson-

As a former mayor of the City of Ojai, I would like people to know why
I support City Council candidate Leonard Klaif, either by appointment
or special election.

As an attorney, Lenny Klaif is uniquely qualified to understand the
many legal documents that council members must wade through prior to
every meeting. He has the professional experience to know if there is
an alternative to the advice handed down by our City Manager and City
Attorney -- advice that now influences every critical decision made by
our Council.

During my tenure on the Ojai City Council, I nominated Lenny Klaif to
take the place of council member Ellen Hall,who was unable to complete
her term. I did so after working with Lenny on numerous environmental
causes that showed me he had the integrity, strength of character and
the leadership skills necessary to be an asset on the Council.

I first met Lenny in the early 90's when Rite Aid wanted to take up
residence in the old bowling alley. He and other citizens worked with
local merchants to form the Citizens for a Chain Free Ojai. He applied
his skills as an attorney to the task of opposing chain-stores that
would destroy the uniqueness of our small town, calling for an
ordinance to protect Ojai small business.

Over the years I have heard Lenny speak frequently behind the podium,
urging our council to enact policy that would work to ensure the beauty
of Ojai. He has spent hundreds of hours in the Council Chambers,
listening carefully to both private citizens and elected officials, and
articulating his astute observations.

Lenny Klaif is eminently qualified to be on the Ojai City Council.
Please join me in supporting him.

-Suza Francina

 

-Pat McPherson A 23-year- resident of Ojai who co-founded an international electronic engineering & manufacturing company

Why am I voting for Len Klaif for Ojai City Council?

Every time I have come to a City Council meeting to voice my concern about an issue, Len Klaif has been there. He has been well prepared and has given a much better presentation than I, and always supported those things I believe in. This includes concerns about chain stores in Ojai, the budget, the Skate Park, the housing element, the City Manager opening mail directed to council members, and the Ojai Valley Inn living up to their promise to build affordable housing for their employees.

He has not done this for political reasons or ego, but because it’s the right thing to do, the same reason I was there.

We are lucky to have someone like Len, with such with such passion, integrity, knowledge of issues, and a love for our City, to want to be on our City Council.

I back Len 100% because he is not a politician, and I have seen him first hand to be honest and speak the truth from his heart.

As far as I am concerned, Len Klaif is my voice to the City Council.

-Pat McPherson

-Linda Harmon A writer, artist, Board member Ojai Trees, Board member Ojai Center for the Arts, City of Ojai Arts Commissioner

I have lived in Ojai for over twenty years, bought my home here, raised three children here, and continue to make my living here. I can’t think of anything more important these days than voting in our City election.
Presidential elections get the bulk of our attention but it is equally important to follow through and be informed on local issues.
Decisions made by our City Council will affect the streets we drive, the businesses we frequent, the parks our children play in and yes, the air we breathe. Our City government is the first link in the government that determines this country’s future; that link should be a strong one.
I firmly believe it is every person’s responsibility to take an active role in their community and because I believe this so strongly I urge you to vote for my husband, Len Klaif, for City Council.
I know as no one else can my husband’s strong, balanced and informed intellect and his deeply held belief in the power of an open democracy. I have watched him through years of involvement in community issues and organizations where he has worked tirelessly to help bring about the best resolution to problems those organizations and the community as a whole has dealt with.
No one can challenge his integrity or commitment to Ojai. His actions have always been governed by what is fair and above board. He believes in the power of the people to build and maintain our community. And yes, he is forthright in his challenge to any authority that would shortchange any individual their right to a respectful hearing.
It is my hope that the time has come that Len will be elected to come to our council table. It is my belief that he will be bringing an informed and open mind and open up the doors to a more responsive council that can truly lead the community forward.
I am writing today to ask everyone who cares about having a voice in the future of Ojai
to get out and vote November 2nd.

Respectfully,
Linda Harmon

-Dale Hanson An Ojai activist and former Citizen of the Year

Why I Am Voting For Lenny Klaif for Ojai City Council

In 1996, I and four other animal rights activists began an investigation into an animal abuse report. Knowing we might need an attorney I asked Lenny Klaif if he would represent us. I made it clear that we had no funds to pay him but that did not stop Lenny from devoting many hours of meetings, research and confrontation to gain support for the animals.

I will always appreciate his generosity, but that was only the beginning. Since then, I have watched Lenny in action at City Council meetings speaking out on issues such as keeping Ojai free from chain stores and gravel trucks, supporting Skate Ojai, and saving Besant Meadow (now Ojai Meadows Preserve) from development.

His support of the Chamber of Commerce plan to promote our City, restore Libbey Bowl and his advocacy for the Ojai art community speaks clearly of his passion and intent to represent the citizens of our beloved city.

More than ever we need a council member who does not represent the status-quo, who will take on issues such as our increasing water rates, and who will confront those who stand in the way of protecting our small town culture.

I will cast my vote for Lenny on November 2nd as I believe he will be an advocate for the citizens of Ojai and will seek consensus among the other council members, will remain constant on important issues and add leadership to our Ojai City Council.

Please join me in voting for Lenny Klaif for Ojai City Council.

Dale Hanson