Calabasas Election 2018: 3 City Council Seats Up For Grabs

CALABASAS, CA – The City of Calabasas will hold its General Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, and three City Council seats will be on the ballot.

The four candidates running for Calabasas City Council are: Vahid Naziri, Mary Sue Maurer, David J. Shapiro, and James R. Bozajian. Here is more information regarding the candidates below:

Vahid Naziri is a longtime resident and homeowner in Calabasas, and has been a practicing attorney for 17 years. According to his candidate profile, his main objectives are:

• Ensure continued vitality
• Maintain the open space that makes Calabasas so unique
• Govern openly and inclusively
• Evaluate issues based on substance
• Manage taxpayer dollars prudently
• Oppose any new City taxes
• Mitigate traffic impact
• Develop water resources
• Support the Sheriff’s and Fire Department
• Support programs for our seniors and children

Mary Sue Maurer has served as a Councilmember and three-time Mayor in Calabasas, and believes every resident deserves a strong advocate at City Hall. According to her candidate profile, her priorities are:

• Protecting our open space, natural resources and wildlife
• Controlling overdevelopment and its impact on traffic
• Supporting our excellent schools
• Expanding senior programs to address the needs of those that choose to age-in-place
• Continuing fiscally responsible decision-making to maintain our AAA credit rating

"I am well-known for my commitment to public input on all issues," she told Patch. "In fact, I sponsored a law that requires extensive public notice and review of all new large-scale development and redevelopment projects. Redevelopment is the wave of the future for Calabasas and I will protect our neighborhoods and quality of life while supporting responsible growth."

David J. Shapiro has served Calabasas as Mayor Pro Tem, Mayor, and Councilmember for the past six years.

According to his candidate profile, Shapiro has lived in Calabasas for 24 years and has maintained his law office in the City since 1994.

"I have worked hard to keep our city safe, fiscally sound, environmentally strong, and business friendly. I am also staunchly supportive of our seniors and students," Shapiro said. "I want to continue to make a positive difference in our wonderful city as I strive to preserve open space, stop overdevelopment, and protect our quality of life."

James R. Bozajian has served as Calabasas Mayor five times.The City Council has accumulated an "impressive reserve fund of approximately $19,000,000," according to his candidate profile.

"I have consistently demonstrated my dedication to maintaining our unique environment and quality of life by striving to control growth both in and around Calabasas," he said. "I helped lead the successful fights to acquire and permanently preserve Ahmanson Ranch (2003) and King Gillette Ranch (2005) as public parkland. I was the primary sponsor of the two voter-approved Calabasas Open Space Initiatives (2005, 2015) and the Calabasas Historic Preservation Ordinance (2008). I have made numerous presentations and written extensively about local history and municipal government. "

The last day to register to vote for this election is October 22. Registration can be done online at https://registertovote.ca.gov/. Voter registration cards are available at all City facilities and other government offices.

Vote by mail ballots will be mailed on Oct. 9. Complete an application to vote by mail here. Postage will not be required to return the vote by mail ballots, but they can also be dropped-off at Calabasas City Hall during business hours from Oct. 9 through Nov. 6.

For more information, visit the City of Calabasas website.

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