Council Names New Members to Simi Planning Commission

The new year means new members for the Planning Commission, and the City Council on Monday confirmed two first-time appointments.

Councilman Steven Sojka appointed Michael McGuigan, an independent insurance agent and 40-year city resident, and Councilman Glen Becerra chose Larry Fried, a member of both Citizens for a Safe and Scenic Simi Valley and the city’s Vision 2020 Executive Committee.

Mayor Bill Davis reappointed commissioner Dean Kunicki and Councilman Paul Miller reappointed Richard Kunz, as expected.

A fifth commissioner, Robert Swoish, was appointed by Councilman Barbra Williamson and is not up for reappointment until her term expires in November 2000.

McGuigan, who watched a live cable telecast of last Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting to give himself a feel for what he is in for, said he would base his decisions on common sense and the city’s General Plan.

Fried said he would bring a balanced, logical approach to his tenure on the commission.

“Philosophically, I’m for managed growth because I think the city still needs to attract industrial and retail projects,” he said, adding that he will push to ensure high-quality projects.

Both new commissioners stressed that the city needs to increase its stock of affordable housing.

“Every young couple in Simi Valley who’s bought a home has somebody helping them,” McGuigan said.

Fried also said that he hopes the commission and council will continue to define how developments should look, rather than waiting for developers to mandate architectural styles.

“That will absolutely raise the bar for what we’re getting,” he said, adding he is less concerned about the quality of the city’s industrial buildings than its residential and retail buildings.