I’m Finally Taking a Breath.

First, I want to thank everyone who supported me in my election bid for the City Council. I appreciate your trust and confidence. I am honored and humbled to be the newest member of the Agoura Hills City Council. On December 6, I took the oath of office and took Dan Kuperberg’s seat on the dias. I have very big shoes to fill and look forward to the challenge.

Since election night, which was really one of my the most exciting nights of my life, I’ve been busy studying the city’s budget, meeting with Greg Ramirez, our city manager, and city staff. I am happy to report that we have an incredibly hard working and efficient staff.

I also want to congratulate Trader Joe’s for being chosen as Agoura Hills Business of the Year. Besides its great food items, I love that they don’t use plastic bags. Speaking of which, at my first City Council meeting, we proclaimed December 15th as Reusable Bag day and the city joined with Heal the Bay to distribute re-usable bags. The city may have some left over so if you need one, let me know (ibuckleyweber@ci.agoura-hill.ca.us). Once you get in the habit of keeping reusable bags in the trunk of the car, and remembering to bring them into the stores (not just grocery stores,) you will feel good about not using plastic. Please give it a try.

I hope you will add my 2012 New Year’s resolutions to your list: 1) fill up my car with gas in Agoura Hills (a big part of our revenue stream;) 2) always ask myself first "can I buy it in Agoura Hills" (again, shopping local puts money in the city’s general fund;) and, 3) encourage people to stay in one of Agoura Hills’ three hotels (great revenue source for the city.)

I wish all of you a very happy and healthy holiday season. I’m looking forward to taking a deep yoga breath (or two), slowing down, counting my blessings and enjoying my family and friends. Hope you will too!