Davis builds backing in Westlake race
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Ned Davis

Ned Davis is all about people and bringing them together, from his line of work to his community involvement. The candidate for Westlake Village City Council has many ideas for ways to accomplish his goals if he is elected.

"In a village you help each other. There needs to be a purpose, a sense of belonging," he said.

Davis is one of four candidates running for two open seats on the council in the Nov. 6 election. His opponents are incumbent Philippa Klessig, retired insurance administrator Carol Kirschbaum, and physician Theodore Corwin.

Coordinating and connecting people is a skill Davis learned while working as a television producer for many years on such shows as "Murphy Brown" and "The Colbys," the "Dynasty" spinoff. On the sets, he learned to work with people of all backgrounds- from famous, highly paid actors to the everyday crew.

In his current position as president and CEO of Azure Blues, Inc., Davis operates as a management consultant to entertainment and service companies. He is involved in a variety of community groups including the Las Virgenes Education Foundation, the city's Measure E Oversight and Cultural Recreational Advisory committees, and the Westlake Trails Homeowner Association, which he served as president for six years.

"Ned doesn't have an agenda. He just wants to give to others," said Stuart Selter, president of the Education Foundation. Selter has known Davis for three years. "He collaborates well, listens well and wants the best of what it can be."

Davis said he decided to run for City Council because he wanted to "step my level of nonprofit giving up to where it really had an effect on a larger group of people."

Among the ideas Davis has for bringing people together is the formation of a community theater to allow residents of all ages to interact. Another is the creation of a dog park to help connect citizens socially.

"For people who don't have children, pets become their children. A dog park provides a way for them to come together," Davis said.

He is particularly concerned about the city's aging population and would like to see the site of the former Westlake Hospital turned into a community center rather than the proposed Sunrise senior housing development. He feels the Sunrise plan is too large for the property.

Although another proposed project, the YMCA facility near Lindero Canyon Boulevard, may have elements geared toward seniors, Davis believes it will primarily focus on children and its location may make it difficult for some seniors to get to unless transportation is provided.

Traffic is a concern Davis said he hears often from residents. He'd like increased enforcement of traffic laws.

"Rules keep you safe and if you follow them you will be safe," he said. "It's a reminder."

Since the city is built-out it is in a redevelopment phase, according to Davis. He'd like to make sure that future projects are compatible with the look and feel of the community. He supported Measure Z and the construction of a Lowe's home improvement store and supports the renewal of the Measure E parcel tax.

"Development is not a dirty word. It can be thoughtfully planned," Davis said. "At 25 years old the city is like a young adult. I hate to say we've grown up but we've matured. Now we get to grow old but we don't have to live on a fixed income."

An Indiana native, Davis and his wife, Helen, moved to Westlake Village from Woodland Hills in 1993 so their children could attend local schools.

Leadership seems to run in the family. Davis' children are leaders at their schools- son Colin is Agoura High's student body president, daughter Nicole is Lindero Canyon Middle School's student body president, and her older sister Catherine is the Agoura High School varsity girls volleyball setter.

Davis sees the role of a city council member as a caretaker of the city and its quality of life.

"I always have in the back of my head, what is the unintended course of the decision I'm about to make?" Davis said. "Westlake Village is the jewel in the crown of the Conejo."