GILLETTE TO TAKE OVER AS MAYOR; T.O. COUNCIL SEEKS UNIFICATION.

Byline: Krystn Shrieve Staff Writer

Mayor Linda Parks, often a lone voice on the City Council, is scheduled to pass the gavel Tuesday to Dennis Gillette who some say could bring more cohesion to the sometimes divided group.

Gillette, a former police chief and former director of the Conejo Recreation and Park District, said his goal is to bring stability and mutual respect to the council.

``The interpersonal relationships on the council in prior years have been somewhat rocky,'' Gillette said. ``The image of the council has stabilized significantly over this last year. I want to continue to work toward consensus and compromise. That has always been my management style both in public and in private.''

But even the symbolic changeover - the rotation for the mayor's post happens annually - has caused disagreements, such as last year when Parks was unable to win council support for a seating arrangement on the dais.

Parks, historically part of the council's slow-growth minority, has had a controversial tenure as mayor, often finding herself on the losing end of votes and at times voicing concerns she was being undermined by her colleagues.

However, she drew praise throughout her yearlong term from supporters who maintain she is champion of environmental issues who wielded a friendly gavel and encouraged public participation.

She did not return telephone calls for comment.

The incoming mayor has lived in Thousand Oaks for nearly four decades and is an administrator at California Lutheran University.

Gillette wouldn't comment on Park's approach to leadership.

``Linda had her way of doing things,'' Gillette said. ``My way is one of doing everything I can to extend the highest respect to everyone in the discussion and working toward compromise.''

Councilman Dan Del Campo, who was elected last year, said he feels Gillette is well-qualified to lead the council.

``Dennis will do an excellent job,'' Del Campo said. ``He certainly has the management skills and an understanding of the procedural dynamics of leading a council. I expect he will be great.''

Del Campo said the change in leadership styles could do the council some good.

``The council members have differences in philosophy and personality and I don't know that they will ever be able to commiserate,'' Del Campo said. ``But when you conduct things with civility and respect for each other, the public and the staff it works to the advantage of everyone. It doesn't mean the differences in opinion will go away though.''

Councilman Michael Markey, who constantly clashed with Parks, said he looks forward to having the council led by Gillette.

Markey, who has been on the council since 1995, wouldn't comment on Parks' leadership style. However he said Gillette would be a more effective mayor because of his extensive contacts in the community, and would better represent the council.

``A mayor is responsible to act on the policies set forth by the council and not use that position for their own personal agendas,'' Markey said. ``I don't think it was handled as it should have been this year.''

Gillette and the rest of the council members are expected to face ongoing issues such as the building of Borchard Road, preservation of Hill Canyon as open space, redevelopment of Thousand Oaks Boulevard, affordable housing and improvements to the city's sewer plant.

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PHOTO Dennis Gillete

Stresses compromise