Westlake Village city council candidates find very little to argue about
By Michael Picarella
Acorn Staff Writer

Open space, a new hospital, youth and senior programs, and preserving the city as a great place to live were topics covered at a Westlake Village candidate forum last week at the First Neighborhood Community Center. Five candidates are seeking three city council seats in the Nov. 6 election.

Incumbents Mark Rutherford and Iraj Broomand listed their accomplishments.

"Four years ago I didn’t promise you something that I haven’t been able to deliver in the four years that I’ve been on the council and I won’t do that now," said Mayor Rutherford. He said he helped bring the new public sports fields to Oaks Christian High School, helped make a new city hall possible, assisted in providing an additional squad car and motorcycle officers to the city, and helped create a volunteer program in law enforcement.

"I’m here to work for you," Rutherford said.

Westlake Village, Broomand said, is in good shape. The work he accomplished on several committees of the city, he said, has provided valuable guidelines.

"I feel that my dedication to this community and my commitment to making this community even better than what it is today (is strong), Broomand said.

Challenger Bob Slavin’s opening statements summarized abilities he uses every day in his work. "My business," Slavin said, "requires the mastery of three disciplines; namely law, accounting and appraisal … I’ve allowed myself to become effective and a successful businessman by capturing all the analytical capabilities that are required in these disciplines."

These qualities, he said, will benefit taxpayers. A fiscally sound Westlake Village is his goal.

"I’m the only woman running," said challenger Susan McSweeney, "and I think that’s an important perspective." As wife of former Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Capt. Bill McSweeney, a mother and teacher, she said she has knowledge and expertise in public safety, and the recreation and health needs of Westlake Village. She works well with others, McSweeney said.

Stressing his love for the city, challenger Ron Klamert relayed his story about coming to Westlake Village. He was living in Burbank and was at work when his wife called and told him to take a drive up the 101 Freeway to sign papers for a new house. "What house?" he laughed. Within a day, Klamert and his family were residents and he’s loved Westlake since.

"I’m in the get-it-done business," Klamert said. As vice president of production for a children’s animation studio, Klamert said he must meet deadlines and make accomplishments every day. He promises to do the same if elected to the city council, he said.

All candidates said they want to maintain the quality of life in Westlake Village. All candidates were for a new hospital. And all candidates want to see more programs for the youth and seniors of Westlake Village.

They all have backgrounds in community service, including homeowners’ associations, youth programs and others.

But each candidate has a different campaign.

"I feel like the people of Westlake Village are my extended family," McSweeney said. She will serve the people, she said, as she would her own family.

Slavin works five minutes away from city hall and said his availability is open to serve the public.

"It’s not a question of time," Klamert said, "it’s a question of getting things done." Current councilmembers, he said, had their chance and they’ve come up empty. He wants to see new people and went as far as to say he would only serve one term if elected so that someone else could fill his shoes when the time comes.

"Someone should do their homework of what’s been done (in the city)," Broomand said later in the evening. A lot has been accomplished, he said, and more will follow.

Rutherford said he enjoys city council work and added that he gets things done. "I enjoy coming up with solutions and I enjoy working with staff," Rutherford said. His passion to serve the public, he said, has helped him deliver in the past, he said. And Rutherford promised to deliver more of the same if he’s reelected.

In closing, Broomand said the attacks on Sept. 11 were attacks on American democracy. To preserve that democracy, he said, citizens should exercise their right to vote on Nov. 6.