Hired!
Now see how I did that? I didn't ask if he was Republican. He looks like a winner and he has the foresight and is in touch with the community enough to be the first one on the most dynamic blog in history.
Done next.

Keith, perhaps you can also elaborate on some of the transportation issues facing the county. Also, is the eminent domain issue still big in Moorpark?

Moorpark has tried, but continues to fail at doing anything bold to revitalize High Street. Any plans on the drawing board?

Luca, thanks for your question on High Street.
This is a charming area of our City with a rich history and culture. We have seen some positive changes in the past several years with more to come. The City is responsible for getting the fire dept. to build a beautiful new building in the area. The police services building is an anchor on one end and the new civic center will anchor the other end.

The new High Street Arts Center brings patrons on the weekends to the area. The dynamics are beginning to come together for the revitalization. The city owns the area on the south side of High Street and we should be seeing a proposal in the not too distant future for an exciting project on that side of the street. The character of High Street and the pepper trees will be retained contrary to what some would lead you to believe. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions.

Environmental issues.

Brian, there are a number of things we do in the City to help the environment from reclaimed water to supporting recycling of hazardous materials through sponsorship of days where people can have these disposed of properly. I think we have done a good job of maintaining open space and protecting ridgelines and hilltops in the city.

I personally try to lead by example. I drive a hybrid car, recycle materials and be generally aware of environmental consequences in the decisions I make. Regardless of where someone stands on the issue of global warming, we should takes steps to be better stewards of our resources.

As the vice-chair of Metrolink, I am supportive of public transportation. Metrolink uses the cleanest burning fuel available for its locomotives and the new vehicles we have on order will be the cleanest available. On the VCTC I have pushed for improvements on local roadways and led the fight to widen the 23 and 118 to improve the flow of traffic, since idling vehicles are one of the largest contributors to air pollution in the county.

On a more macro level, I have been involved with a policy making group at the League of Cities to support a variety of environmental positions ranging from water to global warming. The same is true at the Southern California Association of Governments where we are working on the environmental impacts caused by trucks, ports, airports and cars in the entire southern California region. If there are specific questions I would be happy to try and respond.

There are a ton of transportation issues facing the east county. I am pleased that we finally got funding for the 23 and a portion of 118. The biggest problem we have is moving goods and people efficiently. Traffic congestion takes a huge toll on businesses and the environment. Right now we have a lot of east west traffic that impacts the rural portion of the 118, the residents in Santa Rosa and route 23 in the morning (and many more areas).

The biggest obstacle to fixing the problems is a lack of money from the State and federal government to fix the infrastructure and support alternative forms of transit. That is one reason I supported the 1/2 cent sales tax measure. While I hate taxes as much as anyone, I viewed the tax as small and necessary to maintain our quality of life here in Ventura County. If I had a hole in my roof, I would pay to fix it even if someone else caused it. I would not let it ruin my carpet and stereo everytime it rained because I felt I shouldnt pay to fix the roof.

I will get to the eminent domain issue tomorrow, past my bedtime tonight. lol.

Keith,
What is your opinion on the Dump Expansion ?? I salute Barbra Williamson for putting together a Watch Dog Committee. I realize the county votes on it but I believe every city councilmember should have an opinion. I'm a Republican from Moorpark who feels it's wrong to allow Waste to expand. What's the hurry they have about 20 years left before their permit runs out and I don't like the idea of any trash from outside the county. What do you think ??

Waste Management

I don't know enough about the proposed expansion to form an ultimate opinion on it at this point. I am sure we will have it on a future agenda and get a chance to review the specifics of the proposal, the comments for and against it and then share our concerns and position with the county. The size and scope of the expansion, traffic and other impacts will have to be weighed against the need to find a place for the trash we all generate. I have been to the current site and am pleased with the current operations which limit activities in high winds, have sprinkler and other systems to keep down odors and the like, but there are serious environmental considerations to be considered.

Sorry that I cant give you a specific answer but hope you appreciate me wanting to hear allthe facts and hear all points of view before making a decision.

Keith, do you approach the landfill as another free enterprise business looking to expand like any other employer or is it different because they want to build a mountain of trash with tons of trucks?

Sorry for loading the question, but it was too easy.

I am curious if you treat it different because it is a dump or is it the same thing like if an Amgen wanted to expand?

Keith should run for higher office.

Speaking of Amgen this is an excellent time to buy the stock.
AMGN for you home gamers...

My second pick is Conexant in Thousand Oaks. Trading around a buck and a half was trading as high as 90+. They just came out with a new set top box.
CNXT for you home gamers.

I also like wouldn't throw out my WM stock.

Check on occassion to see if I am right.

To tie it all together so I don't get in trouble with Brian I am bullish on Keith and those stocks.

WM needs to put their corporate office at the Simi site if they want to expand it. If the CEO has to work there they will make sure it is nice.

Someone asked a couple questions back about the process and whether this would be treated like an Amgen expansion (Amgen is in the City of TO just so I don't take credit or get blamed for anything with them). The underlying approach is probably the same but there are many more issues raised with a WM expansion.

Since the County will decide this issue, I am not sure if our City will weigh in with our concerns or take a particular position on the matter.

I suspect the process, application and input will be quite substantial for this project but some key questions to ask and then balance:

Where will we dispose of our waste for the next 50 years? If here, what will be the impacts to the community in terms of traffic, environmental concerns, costs, health and how do those balance those if the waste is shipped somewhere else. Finally, can whatever impacts that would occur be able to be mitigated and if so, to what degree. After going through that analysis only then can you weigh in on a decision.

By the way, I received a contribution from WM 3 years ago. I have no trouble disclosing that and I think any elected who weighs in on a subject should even at this point in the discussion. For those that know me, they know that my campaign was largely self-funded and that I don't owe allegiances anyone. My contribution was not solicited and I think was a result of my efforts to improve transportation in the County. I think politicians should be transparent, in their job for the good of the community not themselves or not for what post they can run for next and so I have no issue with letting everyone know that fact.

METROLINK

I am the County's reprsentative on the Metrolink Board of Directors. Currently, I am serving as the Vice-Chair of the Board. The rail service has been highly successful and now carries almost 44,000 passengers a day at an on-time level of 98.5% on the Ventura County line. Recently, we have had to consider a fare increase of 3.5%. I have received a variety of emails on the subject and other Metrolink related conditions but wanted to let people know that they can share any thoughts or concerns with me on that subject. Keith.

Brian: Great topics this week. It's tough to stay away.

Good Morning Keith:

The problem I had with the 1/2 sales tax measure was that I and many of my friends felt we were already paying for transportation through our gas taxes and other taxes. To take your analogy further, it would be like paying for your roof to get fixed and having the roofer come back in and ask for more money to complete the same job you already agreed to.

I don't remember, but didn't the VCTC staff have enough time on their hands to use government resources to run that campaign during business hours?

I think we rank third in highest gas taxes in the nation, yet we still need infrastructure bonds for our transportation system. The problem I see is tax waste. Some of my least favorite examples of all time was when a 2003 state audit discovered the DMV purchased $125,000 in Teddy Bears or when audits discovered government is paying mail clerks 41 bucks an hour and they have government-paid-for take home cars.

Seriously, how can ask taxpayers be asked to pay more when the DMV is buying Teddy Bears?

So, with that being said, what measures would you support to improve government performance of the dollars government is already getting? In my view, giving more money to performance problems just costs taxpayers more money and encourages government behavior most voters are sick of.

The only way to encourage efficient and effective government performance is to give them less money each year and force department heads to continually improve performance with less money.

What are your thoughts and thinking on this?

Scott,
Sorry buddie, but you are out of line with the crack about VCTC staff having enought time on their hands to use government resources to run that campaign during business hours. If you are not sure of your facts, then I would suggest not adding or starting rumors. AS a VCTC commissioner, I don't take those comments lightly. Shame on you. The VCTC staff works very hard for the residents of Ventura County, and I am proud of the work they do.

Barbra,
Party foul!! You stepped on Scott's question. Give Keith a chance to answer why the VCTC will soon mean an end to civilization as we know it...

Shame on me? Well, before we bring out the tar and feathers... :)

I attached the 38 page document from our Ventura County District Attorney on the subject of using public funds for campaign purposes.

The district attorney's evidence showed:

"1. There is evidence establishing that VCTC Executive Director Ginger Gherardi and her staff used VCTC staff time and office resources to provide “information” to the public and others on the 2004 campaign for ballot Measure B."

Notice, it said VCTC had time to take questions and provide information on the campaign, thus my question.

Though the evidence was not enough to criminally prosecute, there is evidence enough to ask a question on this blog.

But, also in the report is this, which goes back to my original question:

VCTC spent:
$35,000 on a voter poll.
$50,000 in political consulting.
$163,380 on a public education plan.
$25,000 for an additional poll.

If they have enough money for political consultants and polling to push a tax increase, I think they may have too much money.

Did the opposition of this tax increase get to use public funds and resources on their side?

VCTC staff also made numerous phone calls from public phones during the day to their political consultants. (in the report)

Why should public funds be used to try and convince the public to accept a larger burden in taxes?

I do agree VCTC works very hard, particularly on this 23 lights debacle and actually think very highly of VCTC staff. I just disagreed with this measure when it came to neighborhood council in 04 and was disappointed with using public funds as was described in the newspaper and by the District Attorney's 38 page report.

Thoughts???

Keith:

I like that you took the time to disclose your campaign account for us. Do you think campaign contributions create problems when it comes to public decisions and would you ever support other campaign finance reform measures than we've currently seen?

Sales Tax Thoughts

Hi Scott, in answer to your earlier question on my support of the tax and using our analogies, if you hired a roofer to fix your house and he didnt do it right, you wouldn't leave the roof unrepaired, you would hire another roofer.

In this case, the roofers who are the State and Federal government have failed to use our monies properly. The State diverted over $5 billion from transportation to use on other projects, services to make their budget meet.

The sales tax measure as proposed would have cost the average resident here $24/year. A good chunk would have been paid for by people outside the county who shop here. If I can save in excess of $24 a year in time, wear and tear on my car and other items that would occur by relieving congestion, than that is a win-win situation. Right now, the average commuter spends over $1200 per year as the cost of congestion, so to me it made sense.

Under the measure, there was an oversight committee, the money stayed locally, had to be used on the projects identified and would automatically stop being effective if it was misused. I will address the VCTC issue separately.

VCTC staff.

Scott, the VCTC staff consists of only 18 people. They work very hard and are arguably the most efficient government personnel around.

The media got several items wrong in connection with the campaign that I think distracted from the effort. Whether we disagree with law or not, which is a legitimate separate debate, the law allows a public agency to use funds to provide education about a matter so the voters can make an informed decision. Unless the material takes a specific advocacy position (vote for or against), it is allowable under then existing law.

The material that went out was reviewed by other agencies and the VCTC counsel to ensure that it complied with the law. Nowhere did any piece advocate a specific position. The DA's issue was that one could "imply" a position of support when one read the material. That postion was not accepted by all the other public agencies and counsel that reviewed the material. I have great respect for the DA and have and do support him. But the analysis from his office was wrong and a case that came down shortly after his report specifically said that the test his office used was wrong and that the correct test was one of whether a piece directly and specifically advocated a particular position; which the VCTC material did not. Unfortunately, this distracted greatly from the campaign and all this will probably chill any effort to get a measure off the ground in the future, which is unfortunate since Sacramento and Washington are failing us in the transportation arena. It is up to us to save ourselves or be stuck with pollution, gridlock and the like.

Campaign finance reforms

The system that exists overall definitely could be improved. I don't have any specific suggestions as my efforts have been focused on other areas. Since I am self-employed I don't get paid when I am doing public service duty (the small stipends for Boards and commissions don't pay the bills) therefore, I have to focus on those areas I might have an impact on and prioritize. If people have good ideas for reforms, I would love to hear them but I think the bigger problems exist at the higher levels of government, not the local ones in this area.

Thanks for the Questions

Thanks to everyone for the questions, even if we don't agree on a subject, I think it is helpful to have dialogue and at least hear all sides of an issue to be better informed. Scott, your questions have been great and I admire your civic involvement.

Keith:

I made a rule a long time ago never to debate comedians or attorneys. Unfortunately, I broke that rule on your thread by throwing questions your way, but I hopefully am up for the challenge.

I really hope you're not a comedian too. :)

Campaigning by public agencies is allowable under the law, I was not disputing that. I was merely pointing out that if we have agencies that use funds to hire political consultants to convince the public of things we don't agree with, it may be systemic of other funding issues within the agency.

I believe bureaucratic organizations should not be involved in political campaigns and should be neutral at least during office hours. I've seen it a couple times now and just think it betrays the original intent of the bureaucratic process as neutral public agents.

I do want my roof fixed, but with the money I already paid to do it. If I paid the first roofer and he/she didn't perform, I'd most likely be using every mechanism possible to get my money back. I didn't see our money come back from the state, did you?

A sales tax increase in this case, just increases the state and federal government's unaccountability to us.

I do like that you are outcome-based, saying if no one else is going to do it, then we need to. I respect that quality in public and private sector a ton. However, I see this measure as death by 1,000 cuts on taxpayers. If we keep approving local tax increases to solve all our local problems, then the state and feds pass tax increases too, well, there goes your ability to support your family.

All this does eventually start to add up on the taxpayer.

Another fear I had was exactly as you stated. We approve the sales tax increase, then the state comes in and sucks it up. When I watched the presentation, their were no assurances that this new funding stream, if approved, could not have the same thing happen to the other money that was taken from local government. With the state structural deficit in mind, there was no way I could vote yes and see our money float back up to the state at it's whim.

Well over a majority voted "no" and VCTC still managed to find the money, correct?

Keith, I also want to say your responses have been fantastic and well-thought out. I think it would be great if you articulated where you think Ventura County is going in the next 20 years and your vision is for the future.

Have a great day.

You don't know what it's like to have faith in a council member Barbra!! Why won't you let us love you!!?

Sorry Mr. Millhouse,
Sometimes high profile well loved politicians come in here and cause problems.

I think comparing WM to Amgen in the community is way off base. Amgen promotes the local economy and provides high level jobs that pay enough for their employees to afford to live in the area. That means employees live locally and are less likely to add to traffic congestion and emissions because their commute is close to their job. I find it hard to believe that the dump truck drivers will live in our community and be able to give back to our local economy. Nothing against dump truck drivers...God love em! This would also mean that we would have commuters from the Valley coming to work at WM in SV, let's not forget to add the employees that will need to drive to work in SV in the formula for added traffic.

The point is the chances are we are taking the trash from LA and also the expanded employment is most likely for employees that live in LA and who bring their discretionay spending and property taxes to LA. I would venture to guess that Amgen employees are more likely to stay in Ventura County and support local schools, non-profits etc.

Maybe WM can give us a number of the percentage of their employees that work and live in Ventura County vs. the percentage of Amgen employees in Ventura County.

I still do not like the idea of the emissions from the added trucks to WM. The flip side is that originally the proposal was to build 2500 homes and commercial/industrial buildings that could have brought jobs to Ventura on the now WM land.

It's a tough one to weigh...double the landfill or add 2500 homes-an industrial complexes; which do you think would affect the quality of life in SV and MP more? Which would stress our infrastructure more, will the tax revenue of either one be more beneficial to our County and less demanding on our infrastructure such as school's.

I would be interested in the analysis and the alternatives to the land use that would be the most beneficial to our communities.

Possibly one alternative is for WM to provide affordable housing to their employees on their land which would reduce commuters from the Valley.

Going back a couple questions. VCTC did manage to get money to build the 23, but that was money the County was already owed and if the measure had passed that freeway would be almost done now.

The state bonds will cost the VC taxpayers more than the sales tax measure would have with no guarantees we will get our fair share from the bonds. We have done well to date because of some good leadership at VCTC and hard lobbying.

Also, we have so many other projects that need to be addressed, all of which will be put off many many years waiting for STIP funds.

Barbara Williamson

I have great respect for Barbara. She and I serve the East County, along with Dennis Gillette from TO, on the VCTC. She is a tireless worker for her City and anytime someone wants to take space on this section of the blog to praise her efforts go for it!

WM v. Amgen

The questions you raised are some of many which need to be answered and analyzed in the evaluation of that site. The truck emissions are a big concern, but will we have the same number of trucks going through the east county to take trash elsewhere if this is not approved? I agree with you that Amgen and its employees are a benefit to the County!

Keith:

Thanks for taking the time to answer and clarify these questions.

Barbra Williamson actually urged me to get involved with neighborhood council and do other things as well. I actually planted my oak tree this weekend that she showed me how to do at the arbor day festival a few weeks ago. She is hardworking and she really cares for our community.

Keith and Barbra-

I was interested in what you thought of using a revenue bond to create a toll road system throughout the county? The funds from cars using the toll system would then be used to payback the bond. Has there been any study within VCTC on that?

Also, other cities in other states use HOV lanes where they require a minimum amount of people in a vehicle to drive certain lanes. What's VCTC thinking on these things?

Last, Senator McClintock has said a couple of times that California should get rid of carpool lanes because they actually make traffic worse? I was wondering your thinking on this?

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions.

I have one more.
How do we know you won't run off to some Senate or Congressional job or please think about Govenor someday and leave us for somebody else.
If and when you do will you make sure the council is left properly staffed?

I promise that when Barbara runs off to a state office or congress that the Simi council will be in good hands.

Revenue Roads/ HOV

My understanding is that current roads can't be transformed into toll lanes under state law. I think the theory is that because all motorists paid for the roads it is now wrong to convert them from "free"ways to paid roads. That being said, the cost of new road construction and the land acquistion costs (not to mention the political opposition from environmentalists) would make such roadways impossible to pencil out from a private industry standpoint; that is why I don't think they would work.

On the HOV standpoint, I think there should be a minimum of "driver" age passengers to be entitled to use. I would welcome other ideas but it seems that if the purpose is to take cars off the roads you only do that when you have driver age passengers, not infants and small kids.

On McClintock's opposition to HOV's, I haven't seen the empirical evidence to know whether they make traffic worse or better. Tom did support our efforts to get funds for the 101 widening for an HOV lane from Ventura to the SB county line from the bond proceeds. I think this is the first time he supported this.

There are some other issues behind HOV lanes rather than just whether they use the most cars that are really policy issues: Do you want to encourage alternative fuel and low emission vehicles? something now done with hybrids being able to drive in the HOV lanes. Do you want to encourage carpooling? better moving HOV lanes encourges people who might not otherwise rideshare.

There are probably good arguments on both sides of the equation there; really just comes down to what you are trying to accomplish.

Thanks Keith.

I didn't know state law forbade roads from being converted, but I guess that makes sense. I know environmentalists did oppose measure B because they felt a larger freeway would be growth inducing. I disagree with this idea as we've seen growth no matter the infrastructure level, but do you think having the Measure A open space measure hurt VCTC's chances as well because it turned out people hostile to an effective road system?

Also, do you think gas prices, when it get's to 4 or 5 bucks a gallon will encourage less cars on the road? I think it'll be about $4.75 before we really see changes to behavior.

Also, are you aware of any local tax incentives to have a carpool program at work?

Thanks again.

Keith...you know that your comment is going to start all kinds of rumors... LOL
So for the record...I promise, I have no ambitions for Assembly, State Senate or Congress...there...
As far as the HOV lanes, our City Council sent a letter to Caltrans requesting that the HOV lanes convert to normal traffic flow from 9AM to 3PM like they do in Northern California.
I've heard that in some states they have sold the toll roads to private industry for millions, to be converted back to the state, say in 99 years. The industry keeps the toll dollars, and the state has millions upon millions of dollars for the state coffers. Has anyone else heard this?

Barbara, glad to know you only ruled out those 3 offices; plenty of others you must have your eye on. :-) I am not aware of the sale of roads to private industry. I just don't see any new significant roads being built in VC and no chance to change any roads (even if someone were inclined) to tolls.

On Scott's comment, unfortunately, there were those who argued improving traffic congestion was growth inducing. I guess they prefer vehicle emissions from idling cars and trucks. Even with no building, VC will continue to grow just from the birth rate which will add more capacity. When you also consider the fact that many people can't afford to live in VC, all those workers will need to commute from other counties to support VC employers; if they can't those employers will be forced to leave and go elsewhere or wages will increase dramatically; so you can see there are other non-quantifiable benefits from relieving congestion.

As to the cost of gas that will get people to carpool etc., I don't know the answer. I think more people would carpool or use public transit if it was more convenient. Part of the problem is that we are so spread out geographically in southern california it makes this difficult.

We are going to need to attack the problem on many fronts: better fuel efficiency for vehicles, greater incentives to use mass transit; telecommuting; better roadway utilization (staggered schedules so all cars arent trying to use the roadways during the same peak times) just to name a few. I would welcome hearing what the people have to say.

Keith:

Great points all the way around.

Barbra and Keith:

I hadn't heard what you were saying, but looked up a couple articles through google. At the state level Governor Rick Perry of Texas is privatizing roads because he does not want to raise the gas taxes in his state to fund the road building shortfall.

It is also interesting that last night I received my Forbes magazine and it discussed India's "Roads to Riches" outlining their strategy of using public/private collaboratives to update their infrastructure with the booming economy.

We seem to just use the public government to meet our needs. What about private initiatives and market forces?

Senator McClintock has also argued in the past that he'd like to outsource CalTrans altogether.

Is that an outrageous idea?

Scott, I to googled "toll roads" and came up with quite a bit of infomration. I knew they exisited, just didn't know in which states. When I travel to other states and look at the infrastructure I realy think the State of California missing the boat. We don't think "out of the box". You should see what other countries are doing with soundwalls at half the cost..But we are so political that nothing seems to get done anymore!

Barbra and Keith:

Check out this link to Toll Roads down in Orange County. They call this a Transportation Corridor Agency, which is public infrastructure with private investment. What is interesting is bonds are not backed by the government and future revenues are strictly used to pay the debt. Second taxpayers are not on the hook if funding falls short. I put a little blurb of the website in here, but you can click on the link and it'll take you to another website.

I think an unsaid positive about this type of idea is investment in infrastructure also leads to spillover capital in the rest of the economy, which can be a huge job and business creator.

"FUNDING SCARCE
But the money to build these new roads was nowhere in sight. Compact, fuel-efficient vehicles were popular, gas purchases plummeted and, as a result, revenue from gas taxes declined as statewide maintenance needs for aging highways grew. Local officials dug in their own backyard for seed money that would demonstrate their commitment to building these roads. Then, they assumed, state or federal money would flow and the roads would blossom forth.

The idea of charging tolls as a way to finance the proposed roads first surfaced in 1984, but no real decision was made until public joint-powers agencies were formed to manage financing, constructing and operating the roads. In 1986, two agencies were born - the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency and the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency.

TURNING TO TOLLS
Government transportation dollars were still scarce. It soon became apparent that the new roadways had to be tollways or they wouldn't be built at all - a disastrous prospect given the county's explosive growth. In 1987, Senate Bill 1413 passed, giving TCA the authority to construct the new roads as toll facilities and issue bonds backed by future toll revenues and development impact fees.

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, PRIVATE INVESTMENT
The San Joaquin Hills (73), Foothill (241), and Eastern (241/261/133) Toll Roads were the first public highways to be constructed in Orange County since 1987 when the Costa Mesa (SR-55) Freeway was extended for four miles. Remarkably, The Toll Roads - which are owned and maintained by the state of California -- were built with virtually no taxpayer dollars.

TCA is funded by the sale of bonds to both private individuals and institutional investors. The bonds can only be repaid by future tolls and development fees. Since the bonds are not backed by the government, taxpayers are not responsible for repaying the debt if future toll revenues fall short. Today, all toll and development impact fee revenue go toward retiring the construction debt , funding additional improvements, and covering costs of operating The Toll Roads."

What do you think?

Just to give you a follow up:
AMGN went down almost 10%. CNXT went down 5%. This is a perfect example of why you shouldn't get you stock pick advice from a political website blogger.

Scott, anytime private/public partnerships can be used they are probably welcome. The problem is in attracting private entities to do business here. I can't think of anywhere in the County a toll road could be built (recognizing that it would be new road construction). Any thoughts on a location?

Keith:

That is a real tough question. Maybe, it doesn't apply to Ventura County the way it does to Orange County or other places. I could be wrong, but one area I thought of was Long Canyon Rd. in Simi Valley. If you extended this road system past Wood Ranch Parkway, west and southwest, it's about 1.5 milles to Thousand Oaks and also could connect to N. Westlake Blvd and even the beginning of Kanan Rd.

There are factors I can't get on google earth or a map. First, I do not believe the topography is flat land. Second, I'm not real sure if I was a resident, I'd be really happy about a new road system being developed in that area either in Thousand Oaks or Simi Valley.

This could be a bad location, but figured I'd throw it out there because it may actually remove some of the congestion off Madera and the 23.

Thoughts???

Would you support Bush for a 3rd term?

Don't answer that question until we get a few more of Bush's crime family in prison.

Scott,
OUr General Plan had first street going over the hills to meet with Sunst Blvd/and the 23 but the TO City Council nixed it after the residents of Sunset got upset. They didn't want the traffic going through their neighborhood.

Barbra:

I had a feeling there was more to the story. Seriously, it's 1.5 miles of road construction to connect. I wonder how many other parts of Ventura County have areas that could improve our overall transportation system, but are nixed like your example. Thanks again.

Scott

Scott, as you can see from Barbra's response, there is generally huge opposition from neighborhoods or environmental groups to the building of NEW roads. Unfortunately, when there is a transportation issue, commuters fail to mobilize and make their voices heard. We didn't even get a news story (hint to a certain newspaper) when the Board of Supervisors voted to change their general plan to have it reflect the 118 as a 2 lane road to settle the suit brought by a handful of people in Somis. Perhaps a transportation group needs to be formed to represent commuters of all types.

Keith, what is the working relationship between Moorpark's council and the school board like?

Hi Brian, the school district and City have very distinct jurisdictions so our working relationships don't cross that often. We have two committees that meet to discuss issues of mutual concern and have worked on a number of items together.

We have recently worked on some issue regarding the upcoming skatepark and I worked with Caltrans to get the left hand turn light put in for Walnut Canyon Road and Walnut Canyon school.

I know in the past there were some personality issues between school and City staff, but I don't see those now.

I personally know the school board members and would pick up the phone and call Bruce Thomas, Mindy Yaras or any of the other members if I had an issue with the schools and would encourage any Board member to call me if there was something of concern (which they have done in the past).

So a long-winded answer to your question is that I think there is an open dialogue and good working relationship amongst the policy makers on both sides.

When is the skate park scheduled to open?

It will be located next to Poindexter park. We are working out some parking issues with the school district. I believe the contract for the design has been sent out, we will get a prelminary design and then there will be final design approval and construction. My best recollection is that the whole process will take about 18 months, but I will double check and get back to you. We want to make sure we do it right the first time.

This question is off topic a little yet it has been bothering me.
Do you have anybody on your family tree that was in politics? You look familiar from a previous life.

I have heard nothing but good things about Moorpark Schools. Nothings perfect yet nothings not fixable.

I am not aware of anyone in the family that was previously in politics. Sorry.

I am not aware of anyone in the family that was previously in politics. Sorry.

I am not aware of anyone in the family that was previously in politics. Sorry.

Anyone else notice an echo in here?

Why can't more Republicans be like you?
Do you ever worry about getting in trouble with the Republican party for being honest and responsive to the community? You have to admit your quite the rebel...

I don't worry about that. I try to do what is right for the community as a whole after hearing all sides of an issue. I think that people can respect someone who listens to their thoughts and concerns with an open mind, even though they may ultimately come to different conclusions. I think if you put the concerns of others first ahead of your own ambitions you will generally do okay in the long run. Maybe I am politically naive but ultimate political allegiances are to America, California, Ventura County and Moorpark; not to any one party.

i think you have a future kid
that thing you did to time warner was classic.

Keith, the old Chevy dealership, recently a tire store, has been boarded up for 1 1/2 years. What's the problem? It sure looks like a good site for some affordable housing rather than a lot for gang activity.

Loupy, I know there are some plans with that property and it plays a role with some others down there. I don't want to give you inaccurate information, so I am checking on it for you. Since we are now down at the bottom of the blog, if we get bumped off before I get the information, feel free to write me at kmillhouse@sbcglobal.net Thanks. Keith.

Loupy, the station that you referred to is still privately owned. I am not sure if it is for sale or whether it would be reasonably priced, but something to look at. Thanks for your suggestion. I was thinking about the old smog pro across the street. The city owns that now. There are some plans for improvements to Moorpark avenue and that old smog pro may play into that to some extent. I think that would also be open to new commercial development. Hope this answers your question. Keith.

I own a two story condo in Park Springs. I have been living here since 2003 and paying 2600/month morgage with a 300/month home owners due. Can you imagine we pay nearly $3000.00 per month to live here. We are facing an increase in interest and we are told we may be paying as high as another $800.00 more a month on our morgage by the end of the year. Also for the last four years we have been waiting for the homeowners association to fix our place up. They have been telling us we don't have enough funds to redo the condo's yet. We really need the fix up and paint job. I would sure like to know where 30,000 dollars a month goes.
Anyway, my husband and I are seriously taking about selling our place and buying a home because we can get a 500,000 to 600,000 dollar home with a cheaper monthly morgage payment right now. We want to do it before the end of the year because we have had no value increase on our home to refi and we fear this complex may be taken by eminent domain. Well,now to the question. Do we fall under the eminent domain project plans? Let me know so I can sell in time and run away from here quickly LOL!