I have to say I am quite impressed with the level of quality Moorpark comes up with in regards to their City Council candidates. I have had a working relationship in a sense with many law enforcement officials in the area. Mark is one of the few that had the savy to catch me... I mean... partner with me in the past.
He was fair. No unneccesary nightstick play and he had a knack for making you feel guilty about what you did.
It is my opinion his natural ability combined with his trainning in law enforcement along with his investigative skills, problem solving abililty and level headed approach to stressful situations makes him a person with excellent leadership skills.
Moorpark is very lucky.

What is the status of the Home Depot in Moorpark?

Thank you for participating on the forum. I remember you participating on the blog prior to winning the election. I hope the exposure was helpful.

Here's a question for you. Is Moorpark impacted by the proposed Waste Management expansion? Is there going to be an increase in traffic that Moorpark need to worry about? If so, what steps have been taken by either Waste Management, Simi or the Board of Supervisors to bring Moorpark into the loop. I live over in Camarillo so don't have a completely clear understanding of the issue and the implications but I am interested.

Have you spoken to any WM employees about he expansion in a formal or informal setting?

This is no fun I want somebody with flaws. Brain don't make a habit of this....

If you bring on Bob Brooks the love and admiration will kill this blog never do that trust me...

Hi Mark,
Good to see that you have taken the "plunge" and availed yourself to the local constitutents. Most are harmless and some are out for blood...LOL Take it with a grain of salt and you will get through it ..

What issue or decision was your toughest so far?

Hi Mark:

Moorpark has an excellent unified school district. I am wondering if you could share with readers if the City Council and the School District have a joint subcommittee that meets on a regular basis and collaborate on projects and/or are doing short- or long-term planning together?

Thanks for making yourself available to the general public.

Mark, what have you learned about the street gang "MPLS" that operates out of your city?

How can citizens help drive them out of our towns for good?

In today's Star, the Moorpark City Staff report on the city's top ten priorities is posted (see link).

Some of these priorities seem at odds with others. Specifically, items "#4, #5, and #6 call for spending to help manage the huge traffic problems which the city has while items #7, #8 and #10 seem to be encouraging further business and residential development.

How can the city reconcile these effectively?

Hello Mark!

Hello! Hello! Anybody there?

Hello Again, Mark.

Any chance on a response on anything above? Do any of his friends know if he reads this blog? Is Moorpark still there?

RSVP eventually.

I sent an e-mail to Mark and asked if he would take questions again like he has in the past.

I told him wait a few days and then answer the questions posted.

Be patient, he likely has just had a busy week. It isn't like he is failing to respond to pressing matters. Mark is going to the meetings, meeting voters, and the like.

I know in blog time we expect an immediate response, but nothing is so critical this week in Moorpark that isn't discussed in a variety of places that we can't all just wait a few weeks.

Mark here. Thank you for your comments and questions. Since I am a teacher by trade, a council member by choice, and a full-time band parent of both Mesa Verde and MHS students, I will do my very best to answer your questions as quickly as I can. Life is a bit hectic and time is at a premium.

Answers to all questions are coming...

Thanks.

Mark

This reminds me of the time I was handcuffed to a stop sign. He just got busy he will be back...

Thank you for your patience and support. I am very excited to serve Moorpark. It was a close campaign, but my goal was to reach out to all residents of Moorpark, not just specific groups or areas. My original campaign goals have not changed and I see our city taking positive steps in many of the areas, not just because I made them priorities, but because the entire council and city staff want the best for Moorpark.

Home Depot- Yes- it is coming, and it will greatly benefit all of Moorpark. It is not an Expo, but will carry a variety of high-end appliances and other designer items. The convenience, location, and financial support they bring will increase the quality of life in our city.

School District- The City and School District do meet on a regular basis, and I have been in contact with the superintendent and key district staff already regarding several important issues. A formal meeting between both is being planned right now. Topics will include the D.A.R.E program, high school parking, and crime. Sup. Smith is great and wants to have a good working relationship with us. I will settle for nothing less. The poor communication from the past will not be acceptable. No more blaming the other guy. Doing what is fair and right will outweigh personalities and special interests.

Waste Management- I have not spoken directly to them, but we will do everything in our power to make sure the expansion does not affect us negatively, if we can. Our new supervisor, Peter Foy, has Moorpark’s interests, as well as Simi Valley’s, in the forefront of his decisions. We are monitoring every step of the process.

Gangs- Since we do have one distinct gang, our police department is doing everything they can, within the law, to curtail their activities. The increase in graffiti is irritating, and the city and police department are in the process of finding a plan to lessen the impact of the tagging. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go in order to make up for some “poor parenting” that allows these kids the freedom to run amuck. Keep an eye out, and when you see a group of kids who obviously are not where they should be on a Friday or Saturday night, call the police department and let them know. They are very responsive to this issue.

Priorities/Budget- This was my first go-around with the budget and city goals as a council member. We are very focused on the priorities of our city, looking at short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. I am grateful for all of the time and energy Dr. Mikos spends on reviewing the yearly goals and budget. It can be overwhelming at times. I know it may look contradictory at times, but it is important that our services and revenue equal or exceed our growth, both commercially and residentially. I have only been in Moorpark for a bit over 5 years. It did not take me long to see the changes. In order for us to maintain our high level of service, we need revenue- from businesses or property taxes. With the state budget as it is, we must find local solutions to budget short-falls. It won’t be that long before we don’t have any more land for developments, so what we do plan and built must have long-term positive benefits.

Toughest Issue- There has not been a single issue that has been distinctly difficult, but trying to find time to meet and contact so many people with questions or concerns has been a challenge. Between the emails, phone calls, or people dropping by my home wanting to discuss an issue, scheduling has been treacherous, but everyone who contacts me has my ear. I appreciate all comments, questions and criticisms. I need to be fully informed and the only way for me to be more involved is if the community contacts me. I am eager to listen.

So much for this posting being brief. I tried to answer all of the previous questions to the best of my ability. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it. Then I’ll pass it on. The current council members and city staff has a vast amount of knowledge and expertise I can use to grow with, as do the residents of our beautiful city. Feel free to email me at moorpark@ci.moorpark.ca.us or call and leave me a message at city hall (517-6222) and I will call you back. I look forward to answering more of your questions. Thank you Brian for making this Q and A possible.

Take care.

Mark

Mark,
who are you going to rely on to give you the straight scoop on the dump?

Mark,
who are you going to rely on to give ou the straight scoop on the dump?

Mark, what motivates you to answer questions from people on the internet? Aren't you afraid?

Also, what do you think there will be a reversal of the choice by your council to shut down DARE?

Mark has returned to continue to answer your questions.

Waste Management Issue- Great question- Who do I rely on for the straight scoop? How about no one and everyone. Everyone has their own agenda and special concerns and no one knows everything. Complete impartiality is always difficult, if not impossible to find.

There are a multitude of individuals who I contact before making any decision or forming an opinion, including our city staff, current and former council members, county commissioners and employees, residents, local business owners, and the list goes on.
I try not to jump to conclusions or make hasty decisions too quickly. If and when intervention is needed for our city, it will be done. I will keep Moorpark's best interests first, along with cooperating with other cities and local agencies.

The sandbox is big enough for others to play in too.

Answering questions- Answering questions doesn't bother me at all. If I don't know the answer, I can admit that. Then I'll find the answer and pass it on. I don't know everything and will never claim to. (Just don't tell my wife that...)

DARE- Very sad. I hope that the city and school district can find a way to continue this very beneficial program through teamwork and cooperation. When there is a will, there is a way.

Thanks for asking these questions. Keep them coming.

Mark

Maybe someday Dennis might want to retire... We might have a need.
If Thousand Oaks could make a situation attractive enough would you keep an open mind and talk to them.

You don't have to answer if you don't want... Just throwing out ideas.

Is your communication good with the educational system?
What is Moorpark Unified School District doing to prevent problems like we see in Camarillo and starting to happen in the Conejo? Are they learning from their mistakes?

This is all new to me, but should not the last entry be addressed to someone on the school board instead of a city council member?

Hello again.

I appreciate the questions. My personal relationship with the school district is pretty good. I have 2 sons in local schools, and we are very involved with the music programs. I have spoken to the school district administration quite a few times on a variety of issues. They are very open to change and being proctive.

Mesa Verde started a program last year where students who have difficulty doing their homework get the opportunity to do it during lunch under teacher supervision. It was, an continues to be, successful.

You will have to update me on the Camarillo situation.

Anything that affects the schools, affects the city. Even though there has been a clear division between the two in the past, my goal is to enhance this relationship by getting both of us, the city and school district, to be reasonable.

It should never be the "us versus them" attitude and I will be more than happy to point that out as needed.

Take care.

Mark

Hello again.

I appreciate the questions. My personal relationship with the school district is pretty good. I have 2 sons in local schools, and we are very involved with the music programs. I have spoken to the school district administration quite a few times on a variety of issues. They are very open to change and being proctive.

Mesa Verde started a program last year where students who have difficulty doing their homework get the opportunity to do it during lunch under teacher supervision. It was, an continues to be, successful.

You will have to update me on the Camarillo situation.

Anything that affects the schools, affects the city. Even though there has been a clear division between the two in the past, my goal is to enhance this relationship by getting both of us, the city and school district, to be reasonable.

It should never be the "us versus them" attitude and I will be more than happy to point that out as needed.

Take care.

Mark

I like the fact you deal with the same issues as the community you serve. Many times there is a disconect with the community... Like Elton for instance. Elton just loves the lifestyle and the community is just in the way.