Conejo Recreation and Park District Director and Thousand Oaks good ol’ boy Joe Gibson was recently found guilty of breaking the law when he ran and lost the election to Linda Parks for Ventura County Supervisor in 2006.

At that time he denied being part of this serious violation of campaign finance laws, but then he later agreed with the findings of the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

He now refuses to speak publicly about it, except to say that the matter is closed.

Gibson should do the right thing by taking real responsibility for his actions and show the community he’s not above the law. Paying a fine doesn’t earn him the public’s trust.

He should resign from public office, including the board of the park district. That would send a message to our children and the community that actions have consequences and that breaking the law is serious.

Will Joe show some moral character and resign from public office, or will he stick his arrogant head in the sand hoping it all blows over, just like many other career politicians do?

If the community doesn’t show outrage at his actions, then other politicians may consider an FPPC fine as just another campaign expense. John Fonti Thousand Oaks