Planner Becomes 1st to Join Council Race

Camarillo attorney William Q. Liebmann, a member of the city’s Planning Commission for more than five years, on Monday became the first candidate to announce his intention to seek a City Council seat this fall.

If elected to the council, the planning commissioner pledged to curb city spending and protect city residents from too much development.

“It is clear that our city will continue to experience pressure to develop farmland,” Liebmann said. “We must have elected representatives who understand the impacts of development and who are not afraid to stand up to developers.”

The candidate also pointed to his experience on the Planning Commission in announcing his bid for a council seat.

“I have voted against more developments than any other commissioner,” he said. “On the City Council, I will continue the fight to protect our quality of life from runaway growth.”

Two seats are expected to be filled by newcomers this fall.

Mayor David M. Smith announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection. And Councilman Mike Morgan is vacating his seat in favor of a runoff election against Kathy Long to fill the vacancy on the County Board of Supervisors to be created by Maggie Kildee’s retirement.