Ex-Councilwoman Returns to Panel

Without skipping a beat, the Moorpark City Council added its newest member Wednesday night and took up city business with a full council for the first time since October.

Eloise Brown, 74, a former councilwoman and frequent council critic, was sworn into office by City Clerk Lillian Hare. Brown replaces former Moorpark City Councilman Scott Montgomery, who resigned last fall after pleading guilty to felony and misdemeanor conflict-of-interest charges.

She immediately weighed in on issues, including a large luxury home development and a sticky fight between two neighborhoods over the hours of operation of a city-owned park.

“I want to thank those who voted for me and assure those who didn’t that I will certainly represent them as well,” Brown said.

Brown beat out six other candidates for the chance to serve the eight months remaining in Montgomery’s term.

Her fellow council members praised her for being up to speed so quickly but hedged on what her role would be on the council. “Only time will tell,” said Mayor Paul Lawrason, who had endorsed an opponent of Brown’s in the election. “I think she’ll probably find that things are somewhat different than they were when she was in office.”

Brown served on the Moorpark City Council from 1986 to 1990--a tumultuous political period for the city, Lawrason said.