A resident of Thousand Oaks since 1989, Mike Sallitt, is speaking out in support of the Downtown Thousand Oaks project. As a single dad who raised his daughter in the community, he understands the importance of a thriving public school system and a community that feels safe, stable, and full of opportunity.

Sallitt, a retired truck driver, believes that the Downtown project is essential for the next generation of working parents who want to build a life in Thousand Oaks. He worries that the community has not protected the same opportunities for the next generation, which is a disservice to both kids and older residents.

The Need for a Thriving Community

Sallitt argues that a community cannot stay healthy if only one generation can afford to remain in it. He believes that the Downtown project will bring people, customers, workers, families, and housing to the area, which is necessary for restaurants, shops, coffee houses, and local businesses to survive.

While some residents may resist the changes that come with the Downtown project, Sallitt believes that preserving a community cannot mean freezing it in place. Instead, it should mean making sure that the next working parent has a chance to thrive in Thousand Oaks.

Original reporting: Thousand Oaks Acorn — read the source article.