Every election season in Simi Valley, we vote the status quo. Our elected officials are so relaxed about the fact that their return to office is guaranteed that they spend little time and effort on their campaign, at least from the perspective of the average voter.

Seriously, has anyone ever seen a candidate for City Council or Simi Valley mayor out and about in a setting other than the controlled candidate forums put on by the city or the Chamber of Commerce?

Bruce Witkin's announcement to run for mayor inspired me. I have launched a website called VoteSimiValley.com with the intent of inspiring Simi Valley voters to look at the new candidates for council and mayor.

Additionally, the people in Simi Valley need to be aware of who is representing them currently and what the issues are.

I have already taken my camera and crew with me to visit some local crowds at the shopping centers, and it's surprising how much people are not aware of in Simi.

As a technology professional and small business owner in Simi Valley, I plan to use my experiences and resources to the best of my ability to spread the word about the upcoming election.

If the people in Simi Valley see me out there armed with my video camera and microphone, I hope they'll stop by and chat about local issues, or at least stop by VoteSimiValley.com. Mike Chandler Simi Valley