Looking foward with Foy

As Supervisor Peter Foy takes office, major issues await his attention.

Even though voters may give the Simi Valley insurance broker the benefit of a lenient "honeymoon," they won't forget his bold campaign promises regarding public safety, local agricultural concerns and illegal/undocumented workers.

It's those ideas, after all, that won him the backing of many of his supporters who wanted a fresh viewpoint added to the left-leaning Board of Supervisors.

A couple of points to Foy's credit. He wants to streamline the technology used in running his office to save money and he said he doesn't want to serve any longer than the four years he was elected to do so.

He also wants to bring more county services to the East County, which anybody who's ever faced traffic between here and Ventura would have to agree is a very good idea.

Foy actually supports a term limit for the supervisory position. If he is able to sustain the energy and discipline necessary to pull that off, then he would, indeed, deserve our respect.

But the key to success for any politician- city, county, state or national- is to set aside personal philosophies and find a compromise that benefits the greater good. Holding tight to one's personal ideals is admirable, but nothing's accomplished if opinion gets in the way of effective government.

Here's hoping that Foy's fresh perspective and lack of political background work as a tonic, starting his tenure with a sense of promise that will work to the behalf of everyone in his district.

Foy's strong beliefs and calls for change made him a great candidate. Time will tell if they make him a great politician.