Rancher Announces He’ll Run for Mayor

Saying Moorpark’s government has been too accommodating to developers, local rancher Pete Peters has announced that he will run for mayor.

Peters said that if elected, he would push for the city to stick with its original zoning designations, allowing growth at a controlled rate.

“I don’t see why we have to give in to the developers every time they want to build a bunch of houses,” he said.

With the official filing period for candidates set to start Monday, three people have now declared their intentions to seek retiring Mayor Paul Lawrason’s office. Mike Wesner, a former Moorpark planning commissioner, and Councilman Patrick Hunter have both said they will run.

Two City Council seats will also be up for grabs in November’s election.

Candidates have until Aug. 9 to file, although that period will be extended to Aug. 14 if incumbents do not meet the earlier deadline.

Peters said he was inspired to run by what he described as the present City Council’s tendency to follow the recommendations of city staff members rather than the wishes of Moorpark residents.

“I’ve been to many, many council meetings and, under no circumstances, do I think they ever listen to the people,” he said.