Council needs better care, Dr. Corwin says
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Dr. Ted Corwin

At Westlake Village plastic surgery practice, Theodore Corwin has taken care of a variety of patients and ailments since opening his office 30 years ago.

He wants to extend that level of care beyond his office walls by serving as a City Council member.

Corwin is one of four candidates running for two open seats on the Westlake Village council in the Nov. 6 election.

His opponents are incumbent Philippa Klessig, business consultant Ned Davis, and retired insurance administrator Carol Kirschbaum.

Corwin's motivation for seeking office is that he loves the city so much he wants to "give something back.

"I've worked and practiced here for 30 years and the community has been good to me," Corwin said. "It's a great city."

He believes that his background as a physician can benefit the council, which he says has never included a doctor.

Westlake's lack of a hospital and emergency care is of concern to Corwin. With his background and contacts he feels he can help address the problem.

"Healthcare has become a very important issue in Westlake as it has nationwide," Corwin said.

While out campaigning, Corwin often hears residents complaining about "not being heard" by the city, including lack of council response to citizen email. Residents of communities such as Canyon Oaks, situated on the north side of the 101 Freeway say they feel like "nonheard, second-class citizens" because of their geographic separation from the city, according to Corwin.

"I don't think the City Council is purposely ignoring people. It's a miscommunication," Corwin said. "The council feels everybody's voice is heard but residents don't think they are being heard."

To overcome that perception, Corwin would like to find ways for people to participate in city government, perhaps through the formation of committees. A previous committee of retirees reported back to the council on various issues, according to Corwin.

"I think it's fantastic that people want to participate. We should take advantage of that," he said.

An avid skier and mountain biker, Corwin would like to foster a community wellness initiative to encourage healthy living through increased walking, hiking and biking trails; open space preservation, and improved park facilities.

He supported the construction of a Lowe's home improvement store through last year's failed Measure Z, and feels that the proposed Sunrise Senior Living project being considered by the council for the former Westlake Hospital location is too large. He supports local business because the owners fund community programs.

"I think he will really do what the residents want. This is not just a position to him- he takes an active role in the community," said Karen Cozen, Corwin's office manager for the past 10 years.

Corwin is complimentary in assessing the three other candidates and has said any of them will do a good job.

"For people to campaign so hard so they can donate their time to the city says a lot about the kind of city Westlake Village is," he said.

Corwin loved Westlake Village from the moment he first saw the area in 1975. A St. Louis native, he had intended to return to his home state after completing plastic surgery school at the University of Florida, Gainesville. But on a visit to California, where his sister lived, he looked up another doctor and came upon Westlake Village.

He bought a house in First Neighborhood before even finding a job. He spent a year working for Kaiser Permanente, and then moved his practice to Westlake where he's been ever since. Corwin and his wife, Suzanne, have four children, the youngest in high school. Corwin has served on the board of the New West Symphony.

Regardless of the election's outcome, Corwin said he has enjoyed the positive side of campaigning.

"I've had the opportunity to talk to a lot of people who have been fun, pleasant and informative," Corwin said. "I think we have a city filled with great people."