Measure H would eliminate big-box stores only

Regarding Pat MacGregor’s letter of Jan. 31, I was unaware the citizens of Agoura Hills wanted a Nordstrom. Naturally, Ms. MacGregor knows that would require a regional mall. Maybe she had Mall of America in mind.

Circuit City and Sports Chalet are both under 50,000 square feet. Therefore, passage of Measure H would have no effect on these stores.

In fact, they would probably enjoy great success in our community. I find living between two regional malls quite adequate for my shopping needs. Personally, I don’t envision a Nordstrom in Agoura Hills, any more than I envision a Home Depot or any other big-box retailer. That’s not why I settled here.

If anyone doubts that our city could be left with an empty big-box store with no tenant, after Home Depot drives out our top sales tax businesses, just drive over to the former Home Depot store sitting vacant at Ventu Park Road and the 101 Freeway.

Since all five of our city council members have joined the Home Depot Political Action Committee, there is little doubt Measure H is needed as a "guiding hand" before it’s too late. Don’t allow our elected officials to turn our city into a freeway pit stop for prosperous shoppers from more protected communities, i.e., North Ranch and Oak Park.

By the way, this is the same Home Depot PAC which has accused supporters of Measure H of spending a whopping $100,000 to protect their businesses of 30 years.

This meager sum is dwarfed by the dough that Home Depot showers on glossy mailers and influence peddling—each week a more expensive four-color flyer.

Now, uh, why was it that our city council incumbents were reluctant to reveal their positions on Home Depot before the recent city council election? Oh yes, something about how they couldn’t do so before the measure had been studied. I thought that was the essence of democracy: taking positions on issues—and defending them. Funny how they are suddenly reborn as members of the Home Depot PAC—as soon as the city council election is over.

Please join me in voting yes on Measure H.

J. Semple

Agoura Hills