As a candidate for City Council I appreciate being mentioned in print.

I respect people's opinions and their right to voice support for the candidate of their choice. That right does not include presenting distortions as truth and must be tempered with accuracy.

One of my opponent's supporters has errantly cited a statement I made as an admission that I lack experience in budgeting or in politics. This is patently false.

At the recent candidate's forum this question was posed: "Gi ven the current recessionary state of the economy and the financial troubles our state faces, what experience do you bring to the position to work with an evershrinking city budget?"

I answered that I have absolutely no experience working with a city budget. However, I have extensive budget experience from working in both the private sector and from my service in the Army Reserve.

I have worked on and supervised construction and infrastructure projects that either built or rebuilt entire communities. In my civilian career, I have developed and overseen departmental, litigation and settlement budgets that have aggregately on an annual basis exceeded $100 million

If experience in politics includes volunteering to work on political campaigns, then I have political experience. If experience in politics includes working and coordinating with local and regional governments, then I have that political experience, too.

If experience in politics means distorting the truth or disingenuously attempting to discredit candidates, then no, I don't have political experience, nor will I.

I am not tied to any special interest group, union or otherwise. I will not require onthejob training to make sound decisions or exercise responsible judgment.

I have leadership and decisionmaking experience in multiple fields and the education requisite to benefit Moorpark.

I believe in transparency in government, and I believe that transparency begins during the campaign.

The individual who penned the letter I am responding to omitted his pre-existing relationship with his candidate of choice, who happens to be one of his business clients.

To quote one of my esteemed opponents, "It's unfortunate that printing statements to get our favorite candidates elected is sometimes more important to some than honesty and integrity."

For real facts call me at (805) 5231690. I appreciate this opportunity to set the record straight. Jonathon Miller Moorpark Miller is a candidate for City Council.