Laws like Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources are on the books to protect cities like Moorpark from the wanton urban sprawl that many of these rich out-of-town developers try to foist upon what, in many cases, are quiet semi-rural communities. It has nothing to do with closing any doors. It has everything to do with protecting our rights as tax-paying citizens and trying to preserve our quality of life.

It is interesting that Mr. Berckman complains about the infringement of the rights of wealthy land speculators while completely disregarding the rights of Moorpark’s tax-paying citizens.

To call the majority of voters in Moorpark ignorant and stupid for voting this development down is nothing short of immature name-calling. Just because someone does not support Mr. Berckman’s views does not make them “dumb.�

The fact of the matter is that the North Park development was ill-conceived and would have added to an already nightmarish traffic problem, especially in the neighborhoods directly adjacent to the only entrance/exit to the development area.

That is just one of the myriad reasons for rejecting this plan. If we are stupid and ignorant for exercising our democratic right to vote to try and protect our quality of life, then we are full of blissful ignorance!

It is unfortunate that Mr. Berckman holds so little regard or respect for the quality of life and the collective intelligence of our community.

As for Mr. Berckman, Moorpark is just fine the way it is. We will continue to be just fine without such intellectual giants as yourself butting into our affairs. Your brand of elitist arrogance has no place in a modern democratic society.

— Blair and Rachel Webrand, Moorpark