Calabasas candidates trade election barbs

With the March 3 election fast approaching, about 75 Calabasas residents came to the civic center last week to see the City Council candidates meet in a debate.

Mayor Mary Sue Maurer, Mayor Pro Tem Jonathon Wolfson and Councilmember James Bozajian are running for reelection. Bob Sibilia and Dale Reicheneder are challenging.

The candidates' forum was hosted by the city and by the Center for Governmental Studies, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that promotes civic awareness.

Ten questions were asked— many submitted by the public— and each candidate was given equal time to respond.

The forum began with four of the five candidates naming the city's fiscal health as their No. 1 priority.

"California has gone through many recession periods, and we've always maintained a reserve," Bozajian said. "We have over $20 million in reserves."

Reicheneder, who ran unsuccessfully for the council in 2007, said the city could do better, pointing out that Calabasas only receives a 4 percent share of property taxes from the county while other cities get more.

Maurer said the county's budget crisis would make it impossible to increase that number.

Reicheneder called Maurer "pessimistic."

Maurer also emphasized public safety. She talked about her involvement with the reserve deputy sheriff program, as well as a new program that would recruit doctors and nurses in times of emergency.

Reicheneder questioned why the city needs a staff of some 80 employees when Agoura Hills, a city of similar size, employs only 40. Maurer told Reicheneder that Calabasas doesn't rely as much on outside contractors

"We used to contract out our library services, but we found it to be a cost savings if we brought them in," Maurer said. "We are very conscientious about (staffing issues)."

When the possibility of increased crime—which often accompanies a recession—was discussed, Reicheneder said he was concerned with the Lost Hills Sheriff's Department's response time.

"Their response time is slower than you'd expect," Reicheneder said. "(The deputies) drive a quarter mile from the department and give 'rolling stop' tickets. I'd like to see more patrol."

Maurer, who pointed out that she'd been endorsed by the Lost Hills Sheriff's Department, said she's "very proud" of the deputies.

Sibilia, who served on the council from 1997-2001, said he'd like to focus on taking care of high-risk youth in an effort to keep crime low. He touted the city's Teen Court, on which he served as both clerk and judge, and suggested starting a youth master plan.

All the candidates spoke with passion about open space.

"My record speaks for itself," said Bozajian, a longtime open space advocate.

Reicheneder questioned the council's decision to build the civic center.

"We all love the new city hall, but just to give you an idea of how important open space is to me, I would have rather seen the money used to preserve 20 acres of land," Reicheneder said.

The group also addressed problems between the city's staff and various homeowners associations. The incumbents acknowledged that there could be better communication with the smaller volunteer HOAs.

"If they haven't gotten it right by now, why would you give them another four years to work on it?" Sibilia said.

"The City Council needs an independent voice," Sibilia said. "I think that's been lost. This council needs a dissenting voice. It doesn't have that anymore.

"I'm no stranger to being a political outsider," he said.

The incumbents emphasized their ability to work together, which was "no accident," according to Wolfson. Other forums have been hosted by the Calabasas Park and Greater Mulwood homeowner associations. The Calabasas Park group endorsed the incumbents.

The last day to register to vote for the March 3 election is Feb. 16. Voters may request absentee ballots up until Feb. 24. For more information about the election, visit www.cityofcalabasas.com/election2009.