Van Dam reflects on his first year on council
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

"I never knew there would be so many variables and complicated decisions that must be addressed prior to getting things done," said City Councilmember Mark Van Dam.

The newest member of the council, elected last November, has a new appreciation of the work the city does on behalf of the residents of Moorpark.

In addition to development proposals and new laws, council members also work with other government agencies such as schools, the county, and regional panels to handle common concerns.

New council members soon learn that public process requirements and the demands of many different groups prevent government from moving rapidly, said Councilmember Roseann Mikos.

Van Dam praised Mikos for her keen attention to the details. "There are always things that I may have overlooked that Dr. Mikos finds," he said. He also noted the help he gets from city staff and the other council members.

Overall, each council member brings a wealth of knowledge and a different perspective that allows good decisions to be made, according to Van Dam.

Moorpark continues to be one of the safest cities in Ventura County and has a balanced budget each year because of the work of city staff and officials, he said.

Van Dam also values the advice and comments of residents but opinions should not be construed as fact, he said.

"From eminent domain and redevelopment, to city staff and even DARE (the drug prevention program offered to fifth-graders in Moorpark), everyone has a right to their own opinion, but far too many opinions have been taken as truths," Van Dam said.

As a middle school teacher and the parent of two teenagers, Van Dam is especially interested in improving the relationship between the school district and the city. He's satisfied that communication is growing, he said.

Van Dam will serve on an ad hoc committee made up of both city and school officials. They'll meet early next month to discuss common concerns.

"There's a clear goal of working together regardless of past relationships to make Moorpark a better place for children, said Van Dam," noting he appreciates Superintendent Ellen Smith's willingness to work collaboratively with the city.

Topics of discussion may include the DARE drug prevention program, graffiti concerns, traffic around schools and a vacant 22acre parcel slated for a school site in the Moorpark Highlands.

Since school enrollment has declined, officials could brainstorm on interim uses for the land.

When he's not busy with work and council obligations, Van Dam devotes time to the high school and middle school music programs and several youth activities at his church.

"Family is my top priority. Everything else comes second," Van Dam said.