Moorpark Mayor Backs Local Plan to Control Growth

Staying true to his earlier opposition to the largest development proposed in the city’s history, Moorpark Mayor Patrick Hunter on Wednesday announced his support of a local version of the SOAR initiative appearing on a Jan. 12 special-election ballot.

After steering clear of the political debate that surrounded the Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources measure, Hunter decided to endorse the growth-control initiative. He also endorses a referendum that would halt the 3,221-unit Hidden Creek Ranch and bar the council from reconsidering it for at least a year.

Hunter was the only council member to vote against the project when it was approved in August.

Voting for SOAR “will ensure that open space and agricultural land will be preserved for future generations,” Hunter said.

If it passes, development proposed outside the city’s original borders would be subject to voter approval, including Hidden Creek Ranch.

Richard Francis, a leader of the countywide SOAR movement, welcomed Hunter’s announcement.

“Obviously, we’re pleased,” Francis said. “I think Mayor Hunter is a man of incredible integrity.”

Councilman John Wozniak, a Hidden Creek supporter who opposes SOAR, said he was not surprised by Hunter’s position.

“It’s just a reaffirmation of how he voted,” Wozniak said. “I did not expect him to change his mind.”

City councils in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, Camarillo and Oxnard all agreed to put local versions of SOAR on their November ballots, but Moorpark refused.

Undaunted, the initiative’s supporters organized a signature drive that forced next month’s special election.

SOAR passed in every city except Santa Paula and a countywide version was also approved by voters.