Local News in Brief : Activist Denied Seat on Moorpark Parks Panel

Joseph C. Latunski, a longtime Moorpark resident and self-described rabble-rouser, received a thumbs-down vote from the Moorpark City Council Monday night after he was nominated to fill a position on the local parks and recreation commission.

The 3-2 vote was the first time anyone had been turned down for a commission position since Moorpark became a city in 1983, according to Moorpark City Clerk Doris Bankus.

Latunski, 62, was nominated by Councilman Thomas Ferguson, who said that Latunski had attended all City Council meetings “and I feel he should be approved whether we like what he says or not.” The nomination was seconded by Councilman Danny Woolard.

Mayor Albert Prieto and council members Leta Yancy-Sutton and James D. Weak voted against Latunski. Weak said Tuesday that he voted against the appointment because Latunski had publicly stated that he was going to move out of town. “My concern is the lack of continuity on the board” that the appointment could cause, Weak said.

Weak also said one of the four parks and recreation commissioners told him it would be difficult to work with Latunski, who has been an outspoken party to many local debates.