Agoura Hills incumbents run for council
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

John Edelston

Residents who want to serve on the Agoura Hills City Council can vie for one of two seats open in the November election. Application papers are available at city hall.

Councilmembers Dan Kuperberg and John Edelston are at the end of their four-year terms. Both have pulled filing papers with the intent to run for reelection.

To run for a council seat a candidate must be a resident of Agoura Hills and a registered voter at the time nomination papers are issued and throughout their term on the council.

Applicants must obtain between 20 and 30 signatures from registered voters living in the city.

Kuperberg, a Los Angeles deputy public defender, was elected to the City Council in 1995 and is completing his third term as mayor of Agoura Hills.

"My experience and leadership skills are necessary to help guide the city as we deal with the challenges of the next four years," Kuperberg said.

He listed the funding and construction of the Reyes Adobe Interchange, a new recreation center and approval of developments for Agoura Village as upcoming challenges.

Dan Kuperberg

Kuperberg said if reelected he will continue to safeguard the environment and preserve the character of the community.

Agoura Hills has seen many changes over the past four years. The new Kanan Interchange was built, the Agoura Village concept was approved, and a new park was acquired next to the new Yerba Buena Elementary School.

Kuperberg said the success of the Reyes Adobe Days has renewed community pride while "preserving our character and community values."

"As the city begins its next 25 years, my proven record of protecting our environment, preserving open space and supporting our local schools demonstrates that I possess the proper longterm vision to defend our quality of life," Kuperberg said.

If reelected, Edelston would serve next year as mayor for the first time.

"A lot was accomplished during my first term," Edelston said. "I took the lead in reviving the Agoura Hills Community Emergency Response Team, now 42 members strong and growing," he said.

Edelston was also the man behind the city's "C-mail," a communication tool that alerts residents and business owner's about council and planning commission meetings, city events and other useful information. Edelston supported the technology partnership with the Las Virgenes Unified School district, was among the city's leadership to preserve King Gillette's Ranch (formerly Soka University) and was instrumental in purchasing land for Lake Lindero Park.

"I want to continue to represent the community in meeting the challenges and opportunities that are ahead," Edelston said.

Councilmembers earn $300 per month and receive comprehensive health and dental benefits. They also receive an auto allowance.

Nomination papers are available through the city clerk's office, located in city hall at 30001 Ladyface Court. The filing period began on Mon., July 16 and ends on Fri., Aug. 10. The election is Tues., Nov. 6.