City councilman says he’ll seek reelection in Agoura Hills

By John Loesing Acorn Staff Writer

City Councilman Dan Kuperberg

Agoura Hills Mayor Pro Tem Dan Kuperberg has announced he’s running for reelection to the Agoura Hills City Council.

The 44-year-old Kuperberg is seeking his third term in office. He joined the city council in 1995.

Also up for reelection on the November ballot is City Councilwoman Louise Rishoff. The official filing period for candidates opens July 14.

Rishoff said she’s undecided.

Kuperberg, who’s a Los Angeles County deputy public defender, said his goal for the coming term would be to acquire more open space for Agoura Hills—depending on the city’s budget. "I want more, but I can’t in good conscience ask for more money from general reserve knowing we have these other budget problems," he said.

About 40 percent of city land is currently protected from development.

"The first challenge is the financial," Kuperberg said. "We have not seen how the state budget is going to affect us. We know we’re going to get hit."

Kuperberg said he plans to announce a "three point plan" within a few weeks outlining ways to increase funding so that additional open space can be acquired.

By serving eight years on the city’s legislative committee, Kuperberg said he’s highly qualified to fight the municipality’s funding "battles."

"I am the leading legislative advocate for Agoura Hills," he said. "I’ve been personally active with legislators in getting their support."

In addition to his views on open space, Kuperberg has voiced strong opinions against commercial development. He opposed the Home Depot big box store in Agoura Hills last year. "I am not against all development," he said, "but I demand that each proposal meet our strict standards and not adversely affect our quality of life."

During his previous term as mayor, Kuperberg said, he worked for the youth of the city and he added that he wants to continue supporting Las Virgenes Unified School District in its time of financial need.

He said Agoura Hills has given the schools almost $1 million in cash and services over the past three years. The city plans to donate an additional $50,000 later this month.

He also started the Agoura Hills SpringFest, the city’s annual community showcase.

Kuperberg, who’s married and has three sons, is a youth baseball and basketball coach, a Triunfo YMCA boardmember and an advisor to the Y’s Youth in Government program.

Kuperberg and Rishoff ran unopposed for the city council in 1999.