Ojai Citizens for Civil Discourse
PLEASE DO NOT VOTE FOR LESLIE RULE
We, the undersigned, are reaching out to Ojai voters as we have grave concerns about Councilmember Leslie Rule’s conduct at Ojai City Council meetings. In an effort to bring kindness, civility, collaboration, respect, and efficiency back into our town’s governance we offer the following:
Councilmember Rule is running for re-election and, after observing her behavior for four years, we have concluded that her roughshod approach to governance is not good for Ojai. We ask you NOT TO VOTE FOR HER.
Ojai has a long-standing tradition of civic participation and respectful public discourse. City Council members have a responsibility to conduct city business in an orderly and professional manner and to preserve the integrity of the deliberative process. Since elected in 2022, Ms. Rule has chosen not to conduct herself this way.
Sadly, more often than not, her behavior at council meetings shifts the energy in the room from collaboration to conflict. We believe Councilmember Rule’s approach has greatly contributed to contentious and damaging interactions among council members, city staff, and most egregiously, members of the public – including her shaming, lecturing, name-calling and bullying of others – all of which make it difficult, expensive, unpleasant, and exhausting for the council, city staff, and community members to timely communicate, and make sound decisions.
There is a broad range of opinions in our town. Our city council members must foster an environment of integrity and respect, while upholding their responsibility to protect our community. Councilmember Rule has chosen not to embody these principles.
PLEASE DO NOT VOTE FOR LESLIE RULE
Thank you,