VOICING HIS VIEWS-Moorpark City Council candidate Robert Peskay answers questions from local business leaders while contenders Janice Parvin, Mark Van Dam and Theresa Hagman Lawson listen and prepare to their own replies during a candidate forum hosted by the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce last week. The four candidates who are vying for two seats on the City Council shared their platforms with a group of business leaders at a forum organized by the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce last Friday.

"It was great," said Debbie Aquino, chair of the Chamber board of directors. The forum allowed the candidates to introduce themselves and their ideas, she said.

"They all bring something very different to the table," said Moorpark resident and business owner Clarence Anthony Sturvidant, who supports incumbent Janice Parvin. "We get the best bang for our buck from Janice because she's already demonstrated she's effective."

The other candidates all had good things to say, but experience counts, said Sturvidant, indicating he might favor Robert Peskay because he's already acquired practical knowledge while serving on the city's planning commission.

Peskay brings fiscal management experience and a corporate background that could help the city remain fiscally sound, Sturvidant said.

While Mark Van Dam and Theresa Hagman Lawson have a great deal of enthusiasm, they may need more experience before they can become effective leaders, he said.

Peskay moved to Moorpark after the Northridge earthquake in 1994. He's serving his second term on the planning commission and understands the city management process, he said.

Traffic is probably the No. 1 issue in Moorpark, according to Peskay, who said creating a circulation plan is important. He's also a proponent of a regional approach to dealing with commercial truck traffic, and he said he'd provide conservative and balanced leadership if elected in November.

"Moorpark will grow but I'll make sure the growth is managed," he said.

Hagman Lawson is a first vice president for Countrywide. Her family moved here 25 years ago and established a horse ranch in the Tierra Rejada Valley.

Although she's new to Moorpark politics, Hagman Lawson's career as a national housing and development banker has helped her understand how government works.

"We have to keep our sense of community and promote business," she said. Moorpark must have a long-term plan to address housing and traffic issues. Investing in parks and recreation programs, the library and other public facilities is one of her priorities, she said.

"She has a lot of experience with business and a lot of empathy and consideration for people," said Peggy Weak, wife of former Moorpark Mayor Jim Weak, who is endorsing Hagman Lawson.

A supporter of local schools, Hagman Lawson wants to increase the parks and recreation department expenditure so they can offer more programs. If elected, she'll look at all issues and how they might benefit people, Weak said.

Mark Van Dam, a schoolteacher and former sheriff 's deputy, currently serves on the city's parks and recreation commission. He enjoys coaching youth sports and participates in the Mesa Verde Middle School band booster program.

"We've got a lot of growth, but development must be reasonable," Van Dam said.

Barbara Gallo, the regional marketing manager for Subway Restaurants, supports Van Dam because he's enthusiastic and committed. Although he lacks political experience, he makes up for it in gusto and willingness to work, Gallo said.

"Van Dam is a hard worker and I feel he would be a strong voice for the community," she said.

Incumbent Parvin said she'll continue to work tirelessly to protect the quality of life in Moorpark. She's already represented the city on the planning commission and the City Council and has served on regional boards.

Parvin comes from a family that served in law enforcement. "I'm a proponent of safe communities and want to ensure the community is safeguarded," she said.

Both Parvin and Hagman Lawson strongly oppose the use of eminent domain to acquire residential property.