City Council Candidates Speak Out on the Issues

Environmental standards, development projects, the city's partnership with the school district and support for local businesses were among the issues tackled during Wednesday night’s , held at .

Candidates , , and two-term incumbent are vying for two seats on the City Council in the Nov. 8 general election now that four-term Councilman is not seeking re-election.

At the beginning of the evening, all four candidates gave their opening statements, including a summary of their qualifications for the job.

Edelston, president and CEO of HealthPro Associates, vowed to stay on the path of good governance for which the city as been known. “I want the city to remain straightforward, responsive and fiscally responsible,” he said.

During her opening statement, Buckley Weber discussed what she considered Agoura Hills' most pressing issues. “My priorities are the environment, sustainable resources, the city’s relationship with the schools and buying local,” said the civil litigation attorney, who is currently vice chairwoman of the Agoura Hills Planning Commission.

Platzer, a neurologist with a practice in Woodland Hills, said she wanted to maintain the healthy lifestyle that is prevalent in Agoura, which was one of the deciding factors when her family moved to the city in 1981.

Lepisto, a retired educator, cited the city's parks, bicycle lanes and horse trails as of special interest to her, along with the quality of life that attracts young families, retirees and others to Agoura.

Forum moderator Neil Ticktin from Westlake Revelations, an online newsletter, facilitated the forum and read questions that were submitted online by local residents.

On a question about environmental standards, Edelston enumerated the city’s accomplishments, including the implementation of a water treatment system and the expansion of wildlife corridors.

“I think the city is already environmentally friendly, but there’s always room for improvement,” he said.

Buckley Weber agreed with Edelston's observation but called for better planning of the wildlife corridors. "Once elected, I want the Santa Monica conservancy job," she said.

Platzer, a recycling advocate, wants to see more recycling programs and creek cleanups. She also wants to educate the public on the proper disposal of prescription pills.

Former LAUSD high school principal Lepisto wants to see a stronger working relationship between the city and the school district. Edelston added that he would like the Chamber of Commerce to be more involved and supportive of the schools.

The “buying local” campaign was also tackled, with all four candidates recognizing that Agoura Hills could be both a retail and recreation destination.

In closing, all four candidates agreed that some minor changes may be in order, especially with on-going infrastructure and development projects, citing the Chesebro interchange and the Scheu office condominiums as examples.

“We need to do comprehensive studies in the future before approving anything,” said Buckley Weber. “We need to practice fairness, look at the project’s impact and balance that with preserving the look of Agoura that attracted us all to this area in the first place.”