Politics & Government

Agoura City Council Race: 5 Minutes With Councilman Harry Schwarz

This is the second in a series of candidate profiles before the Nov. 5 election.

Agoura Hills Councilman Harry Schwarz answered several questions about his platform for the upcoming November election for three spots on the city council in the city. 

This is the second in a series of candidate profiles before the Nov. 5 election. 

Agoura Hills Patch: Why are you running for City Council?

Harry Schwarz: I'd like to see the new rec center completed. I want to make sure that we stay a small town, and that we maintain our quality of life. I have the overall

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depth of experience to do that.

Agoura Hills Patch: What do you think are some of the biggest issues Agoura will face during your first term if you are elected(Not my first term. Third term)

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The biggest issue facing the city  always has been and continues to be maintaining the small town feeling of Agoura Hills. Making sure that any development is appropriate to our quality of life.

Agoura Hills Patch: How would you get people more involved in local government?

Harry Schwarz: There are plenty of place to go to find out what is going on in our city. All of our council meetings are televised and streaming video. We send out

booklets and informational material often. Then it's up to our citizens to participate.

Agoura Hills Patch: Do you have any environmentally friendly endeavors you would like to pursue if elected?

Harry Schwarz: Complete the beautification of our flood channels.  

Agoura Hills Patch: What is your stance on development in the city? 

Harry Schwarz: I want to insure that there is no inappropriate development in Agoura Hills. We are a small community that cherishes its open spaces, views and wildlife corridor. We must insure that development does not compromise our standards. For example, I thought the Riopharm development was a mistake and I voted against it. I approved of the purchase of the open space next to Yerba Buena to preserve the riparian habitat. The Hilton Foundation,also offered an excellent example of development that meets the environmental and aesthetic values of the city.
The new recreation center is also a priority for me. We need a place where teens can go after school and be comfortable in a safe environment, where seniors can gather. The rec center, like the Reyes Adobe, will also function as a cultural hub for the city providing more ongoing access.

Agoura Hills Patch: Do you think Agoura needs more of them or do you think the city is at its status quo when it comes to commercial or non-residential developments?

Harry Schwarz: I think we already have  development ongoing. It's not a matter of NEEDING more or less. The city doesn't own any

developer property. Developers come to the city and then the council decides what is appropriate or not per application, not if there is too much or too little development. 

Agoura Hills Patch: What do you think of the job the current council has done? 

Harry Schwarz: In my opinion the current council has done a fantastic job. Look at what we have accomplished. A new rec center, transforming the Kanan and Reyes Adobe interchanges, maintaining open space(we are 42% open space now)

Agoura Hills Patch: Do you have any ideas or programs in mind that could help generate some additional revenue for the city?

Harry Schwarz: I think our revenue sources are very good right now. We continue to have a balanced budget, and A+ rating. I don't think we need any additional taxpayer revenues at the moment.

Agoura Hills Patch: Anything else you'd like to add?

Harry Schwarz: Agoura Hills needs experienced leadership. I was a planning commissioner for 8 years, prior to 8 years on city council. So I understand full well, land use issues, which is large part of council decision making.


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