Mayor won’t seek reelection in Westlake Village

By Lori Porter Acorn Staff Writer

Chris Mann

Westlake Village Mayor Chris Mann announced last Thursday that he won’t seek reelection in November. He’s confident that he accomplished his goals, Mann said.

While many cities are struggling to make ends meet, Westlake Village has stayed strong. Conservative fiscal policy that he helped establish, Mann said, was a major factor in Westlake Village’s healthy financial status.

He praised the hard work of his fellow councilmembers. "Everyone at city hall is terrific. Westlake Village is blessed with professional and dedicated councilmembers, the finest staff anywhere, and the most talented city manager (Ray Taylor) in the state of California."

The old adage of "quitting while you’re ahead" might be part of the reason Mann is stepping down. "The city of Westlake Village is in great shape," he said. At the end of the fiscal year 2002-03, Westlake Village brought in $1.5 million more than the city spent.

Mann declared that the city’s general fund reserve has grown to $10 million, crime is down 20 percent and the city is providing more and better services than ever.

Mann reflected on the past four years that he served on the council and said he was confident that he kept most of his campaign promises. He cited protection of open space, new parks and playing fields, increased recreational and cultural opportunities for all residents, business growth and less crime.

One dream for Mann didn’t happen—attracting a hospital back to the area. Although economics have kept that dream from reality, progress has been made, he said. "I am now confident that it is just a matter of time," Mann said, "before a new hospital will be built in our area."

Mann is a probation officer for Ventura County and is looking forward to focusing more on helping teens in treatment facilities. Many young people, he said, have fallen through the cracks. Three of his people are at a treatment center in Wyoming, virtually in the middle of nowhere, trying to get their lives together and back on the right path.

Mann visits them in Wyoming at least three times a year. Young people can be institutionalized for various reasons, Mann said, including petty theft, sex crimes and murder .

Despite his accomplishments, Mann said he’s especially excited about getting married next year to Brenda Salas, the mayor pro tem of Banning.

He concluded by saying, "Although I am sad to leave, I know that the city of Westlake Village is in good shape and is in very good hands."