Calabasas mayor turns spotlight on city

Mary Sue Maurer After three months as mayor of the city, Mary Sue Maurer last week gave Calabasas Chamber of Commerce members more insight into her personal goals and what residents can expect from her in the coming months.

Maurer was the Chamber's guest speaker at a June 26 Calabasas Country Club luncheon.

"Being a mayor is ceremonial for the most part," Maurer said. "Then again we have influence over the agenda, and every mayor has a flavor."

Maurer was elected to the Calabasas City Council in 2005. She thanked state Senate candidate Fran Pavley and Councilmember Dennis Washburn for encouraging her to run for office.

She shared some of her passions, including public safety.

"I don't know when it happened, but I have become very mindful of public safety," Maurer said. "There were a couple things that did it, and one was (Hurricane) Katrina, watching local, state and federal government fail the people of Katrina. We can never stop being prepared."

Maurer highlighted some of the work the city has done to prepare for emergencies, including the establishment of an automated phone message program and the hosting of a drive-thru flu clinic last fall, which resulted in more than 1,000 vaccines being administered to the public.

Maurer's goals include continuing the support of education, protecting senior citizens and acquiring more open space. Maurer said the city is looking at a ballot measure that would make it possible to purchase more open space.

"There are things that really make Calabasas special," Maurer said. "It's kind of a "Mayberry R.F.D." existence. I mean, where else can you run into the mayor at the grocery store or at a roller hockey game or a soccer game?"

Maurer acknowledged that the economy has had its problems.

"It seems a day can't go by without hearing about a worsening and worsening economic climate," Maurer said. "The city of Calabasas is weathering this economic downturn as planned."

Maurer said residents will continue to see a City Council that is "mindful" of the economic stress being experienced, one committed to not starting any major new projects.

"Our priorities will be completing the Civic Center, moving in and continuing to provide outstanding governmental services during this huge undertaking."