Meet the Candidates Q & A: Meril Sue Platzer

Meril Sue Platzer has lived in Agoura Hills for the past 30 years. She is currently a single mother with three children, ages 18, 22 and 26.

Professionally, she is a Woodland Hills neurologist and is affiliated with West Hills Hospital, Northridge Hospital, Providence Tarzana Medical Center and the Motion Picture and Television Fund. She is also an advocate and adviser for the American Academy of Neurology as well as an advocate for the screening and early detection of Alzheimer's Disease.

Platzer received her master's degree in geography with specialization in biogeography from UCLA. She attended medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit, did an internship in internal medicine at USC Los Angeles County Hospital and completed a residency in neurology at USC.

Agoura Hills Patch recently had an exchange with Platzer and talked to her about her stance on local issues. 

Agoura Hills Patch: Why are you running for City Council?

Meril Sue Platzer: I'm interested in maintaining the quality of life in this city. There's a uniqueness to this city, which is why I moved here in the first place.

My ex-husband and I were instrumental in bringing [several] ordinances to the table in Agoura. We were responsible for the Dark Sky Ordinance, which prevents light pollution from destroying the night skies for viewing. We also added llamas and alpacas into the local animal code.

Patch: What do you think are some of the biggest issues Agoura will face during your first term if you are elected?

Platzer: I want to make the community a part of the city again, because I think a lot of our residents don't feel that they are involved or have a say.

I am also concerned about the loss of the Redevelopment Agency funds.

Patch: How would you get people more involved in local government?

Platzer: We all have the same goals living in Agoura–maintaining the quality of life and good schools. I am very disappointed in our local government's Channel 10. It's either never available or one year behind the times. Most of the community has no involvement with the City unless they are physically sitting in council chambers [during the meetings]. I believe the community would know more and care more about our government if the information were more easily available to them.

I also think that the members of City Council should be more friendly and accessible to the community by returning phone calls, emails, etc.

Patch: Do you have any environmentally friendly endeavors you would like to pursue if elected?

Platzer: Because of my background in biogeography, all of my ideas are environmentally friendly. I would enhance our biking and walking trails as well as clean up our water-ways, which are polluted with debris. There should be a community outreach program with which students can become involved and receive school credit. I would plant more drought-resistant trees and enhance our beautiful park lands. I would like to see more trails and add water fountains, making them more accessible for children and the elderly.

Patch: What's the first thing you would like to do if elected to the council?

Platzer: I would have to see which issues are on the table.

Patch: What is your stance on development in the city? Do you think Agoura needs more of them or do you think the city is at its status quo when it comes to commercial or non-residential developments?

Platzer: I'm not against development in the city, but I think we need to take into account the neighbors [of a potential business] and where we're building. For example, in Old Agoura, there was going to be a car wash right across from a nursery school and near the equestrian center, which was not a good idea.

If there's new building, maybe we can give status to present solar panels for electricity or more reclaimed water and give assistance with the project.

Patch: Do you have any thoughts on how the city can assist the school district, particularly in light of the cutting of the RDA?

Platzer: Educating our students is our future, and we have enough money to [assist our schools]. First of all, some city workers can voluntarily reduce their salaries a little bit. Also, my sons attended the Las Virgenes summer school program and that helped the district. We could offer more summer programs, which would count towards education and help fund the district.

Patch: What do you think of the job the current council has done? Would you have done anything differently?

Platzer: The current council has not listened to the community. They're there; they've already made their decision. I've gone down to council chambers with the rest of my neighbors, and they have already pre-determined their decision-making. We need to have an open ear to the community and listen to all sides, and not everyone is going to be happy.

Patch: Do you have any ideas or programs in mind that could help generate some additional revenue for the city?

Platzer: We have our unique landscape; we have Ladyface, we have the parklands. We could promote tourism. We have the Canyon Club and Agoura Road, which is a historic road.

I would love to bring art and music therapy programs or even a film festival to the community.

We've also got to look at our salaries. I hate to say this, but City Hall is over-staffed. We don't need all these people. It would be nice if we could cut down on some of these expenses and look at our budget.