Hidden Hills Hopefuls Aim for Status Quo

In the March 4 Hidden Hills City Council election, voters will have a choice of four candidates -- three incumbents and one political newcomer -- for three open seats on the five-member panel that governs the 2,000-resident equestrian enclave in the far west San Fernando Valley.

All four candidates vow to work to keep things pretty much the same in the tony, gated city that has a per capita income among the highest in the state.

Incumbent Stuart E. Siegel, 57, a businessman who is seeking a third term on the council, was first elected in 1994. He said he will continue to work to ensure low taxes and efficient municipal services.

“I have acquired vast experience in this unique place called Hidden Hills,” he said. “If elected, I will continue to put that experience to work.”

If reelected to the council, attorney Ronald S. Berg, 50, said he would draw on his experience as a former mayor and councilman to maintain residents’ quality of life in the city, which is surrounded by white, three-rail wooden fences.

“Through this service, I have been directly involved in the budgetary process, public safety and governance of this city, so that the community that we have all come to love continues,” said Berg, first elected in 1997.

Councilman and current Mayor Monty E. Fisher, 64, wants another term on the council to ensure the city’s equestrian activities are preserved, its taxes remain low and its public safety services are maintained.

The air conditioning and heating contractor, first elected in 1994, has also served on numerous homeowners’ association committees.

“I offer my past history of common-sense solutions,” he said, pledging to residents that “I will never forget that I work for you.”

Political novice Lawrence Klein, 55, an insurance administrator, said if elected he would improve communication among Hidden Hills and the cities of Los Angeles, Agoura Hills and Calabasas.

He said there must be greater cooperation among the municipalities because they face similar development, traffic and public safety issues.

“Hidden Hills can no longer think of itself as a hidden entity,” he said. “We have to cooperate with bordering cities because what happens to them affects us.”

The Hidden Hills City Council is elected at large. Voters may cast votes for as many as three of the four council candidates. They will also select representatives to the Los Angeles County Community College District’s Board of Trustees.