Recently, your paper ran an editorial which criticized the Simi Valley City Council for deciding to hold an election this Nov. 7 in view of the fact that the mayor and two council members up for election were unopposed. Your editorial stated, "Was this a move inspired by true democratic ideals or just an attempt to satisfy the egos of three politicians at a cost of $40,000 to the taxpayers?" The editorial went on to imply that this City Council "wasted" $40,000 on an unnecessary election.

Had the Acorn done a little simple research, it would have discovered that the cost to the taxpayers would have no significant change, whether or not Simi Valley opts in or out.

All of the entities holding elections in Ventura County this year (and any year) will be billed a pro rata share of the costs of the election which is coordinated throughout this county by the county of Ventura. If Simi Valley opts out, then our park district, our school district and all of the other cities and special districts will be billed a higher amount to cover the countywide costs. The only change to that cost would have been the elimination of the cost of ink for the printing of three names on the Simi Valley ballots.

The Simi Valley City Council believes that we are a part of the democratic process in Ventura County and we are willing to bear our share of the costs of democracy. Sure, we could have "saved" $40,000 and "stuck it" to the taxpayers in the other cities and districts. We chose not to.

If, as your editorial indicated, you would give us a "pass for this bad call," thank you so much for your generosity. We believe we did the right thing in this regard. And I believe we would do it again under similar circumstances. Paul Miller, mayor Simi Valley