CALABASAS : Accountant Challenges 2 Incumbents

Two Calabasas City Council members are up for reelection against a traffic and financial expert in the city’s second election since it incorporated three years ago.

Councilmen Dennis Washburn and Bob Hill, seeking second terms in the April 12 contest, have touted their accomplishments during the start-up of the city, including establishment of a library, acquisition of land for four parks and a tennis and swim club, and an increase in public safety and sheriff’s services.

Ted Rosenquist, the only challenger in the race, said his experience as a certified public accountant and member of the city’s Traffic and Transportation Commission would come in handy as the city attempts to preserve its rural nature.

“I’m trying to prevent our streets and our city from being overwhelmed by traffic from unwanted development, No. 1,” Rosenquist said. “No. 2, if you do proper financial planning for a city, you don’t end up needing to approve development just to maintain your services.”

Rosenquist moved to Calabasas from Tarzana four years ago and, two years later, helped found Citizens for Stopping Ahmanson Ranch to fight the nearby planned 3,050-home golf course community, which was approved by Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

Rosenquist, 46, lives with his wife, Debbie, and two preschool-age children in the Malibu Canyon area.

Hill, 57, was president of the Calabasas Cityhood Committee, and lobbied lawmakers in Los Angeles and in Sacramento between 1985 and 1991 to allow formation of the city after a series of unpopular planning decisions by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“Our group has taken our money back from the county and been able to increase services in many areas,” he said. “I think everyone feels pretty good about what we’ve done.”

Hill, an investment banker, has lived in Calabasas since 1971 with his wife, Kathleen. They have four children between the ages of 21 and 35.

As founding mayor, Washburn, 51, was in charge of operations during Calabasas’ fledgling year, until a city manager was hired.

Among the council’s accomplishments he values most are measures to protect open space and the city’s dwindling number of oak trees, and construction of an “environmentally safe” City Hall, he said.

“We’ve accomplished an amazing amount of work in three years,” Washburn said. “And when you can respond to crises like earthquakes, fires and floods with the kudos of your citizens and no injuries, those are pretty neat accomplishments. It proves we can take care of ourselves.”

Washburn’s credentials on environmental matters include his current posts as president of the Topanga-Las Virgenes Resource Conservation District and chairman of the Santa Monica Mountains Parklands Assn.

Hill and Washburn were the top vote-getters in an election before the city incorporated. The other three founding council members were elected to second terms two years ago. The terms are for four years.