Simi Valley deserves a second choice for mayor
With exactly two weeks left until the end of the filing period, no challengers have filed to run against Paul Miller, who is seeking a third consecutive unopposed run for mayor.

Although two potential challengers have taken steps toward entering the race by obtaining the necessary paperwork, neither has filed those papers with the city clerk's office.

The people of Simi Valley deserve a choice for mayor. It's time for the candidates to get off the fence.

Representative government dictates that even the most popular incumbents should face a challenger, someone who can force them to defend their positions and answer for all the decisions they've made while in office.

While it's true that politicians should spend more time working and less time campaigning, there's a real opportunity that gets lost when any City Council member, not just the mayor, runs unopposed.

Debates, town hall meetings and candidate forums are more than just editorial fodder for newspapers such as the Acorn. They're a chance for voters to put democracy into action—to put the decision makers, even the good ones, to the test.

There's no doubting Miller's popularity in the community and among his fellow council members. Without saying there is an air of invincibility to his campaign, it's fair to state that unseating the former police chief and current mayor will be a tall order for anyone. Miller's straight talk and conservative approach to government suits many Simi residents just fine. His decisions while in office have contributed greatly to the well-being of the community. But that's not the point. The point is that even if you want to see Miller elected to a third term in office, you should be in favor of a campaign in which there's at least one opponent to help flesh out the issues.

After skating unchallenged through two previous campaigns, Miller himself might well be itching for a chance to do a little political sparring.

Simi Valley—unlike many cities that automatically rotate the job among city council members—still gives its citizens the opportunity to vote for mayor.

But the time for candidates to file is running out. The deadline is Aug. 15.

Give Simi Valley voters a choice.