Groveman and Washburn file for reelection

As the doors to Calabasas City Hall opened Monday morning, Mayor Dennis Washburn was walking through them, and Councilmember Barry Groveman wasn't far behind.

On the first day of the candidates' filing period for the March 2007 City Council election, both incumbents pulled reelection papers and announced they will seek another four-year term.

"There's more to be done," said Groveman, who was elected to the council in 2003 and served as mayor in 2005. "There are a lot of environmental issues and financial things I'd like to see through. The city, right now, by everybody's standard, is very well run.

"We have a very successful city, and I'd like to keep it up for another few years," Groveman said.

Washburn is a founding member of Calabasas and was on the first City Council when incorporation occurred in 1991. He's served as mayor four times during his four council terms.

"Calabasas is at several culmination points that I have worked for over 25 years to achieve, and I have the desire and energy to see them through for the betterment of Calabasas and benefit of our citizens," Washburn said.

Groveman praised the current council's ability to work together.

"We may not agree on everything, but we have a high degree of respect for one another," Groveman said. "To me, at a time when there is so much discord and bickering in Sacramento and Washington, it's a real privilege to work together and get a lot done. That stands in stark contrast."

Washburn expressed his desire to remain on the council and see several projects through.

"Namely, we have embarked on a two-year Civic Center project that will deliver a spectacular library/theater/amphitheater complex and our own Calabasas City Hall to serve the city for the next hundred years," Washburn said. "And, having achieved most of the goals of our city's General Plan in the past decade, we need to rededicate ourselves to a General Plan update to serve our people for the next 25 years."

Challengers have until 5:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 8 to submit their filing papers.