Councilman steps down from office
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

MOVING ON-Councilmember Clint Harper is ready to retire from public service, but he's not about to be idle. Harper and his wife, Sharon, will have more time for sailing, music and publishing endeavors. Above, the Harpers are flanked by Moorpark Unified School District Board President Mindy Yaras, left, and recently reelected Councilmember Janice Parvin.

Clint Harper is known as a straight shooter who's fair and deliberate when he makes decisions on behalf of Moorpark residents. But few people know that Harper also is an entrepreneur, a talented musician, and an adventurous man.

Harper was recognized by his peers and friends during a reception on Wednesday, hosted by the city to honor his years of service to the city.

He was first elected to the City Council in 1983, when the city was incorporated. Harper was mayor of Moorpark in 1987, when the post was still on rotation.

He took a year off from public service to regroup in the early 1990s, and returned to the dais in 1998 because he didn't like what was happening in the city, said his wife, Sharon, adding she was amazed when her husband announced earlier this year that he would not seek another term.

Harper also served on the Moorpark Unified School District Board from 1992 to 1998 and he represented the City Council on many committees during his career as a city official.

"He served his time and now he should be on parole," said Wayne Colmer, a developer who attended the event honoring Harper's work. Nobody realizes how much time it takes to serve on a City Council, he said.

"I'm going to miss Clint," said Assistant City Manager Hugh Riley. He's always been fair and good to the city staff. The people of Moorpark got a pretty good deal, too, he said.

"He enjoys civic work, and he and his family has paid a price for it too," Darlene Bierig, Harper's sister.

Harper is a physics and astronomy professor at Moorpark College. He and his wife also own a publishing company, Sunshine Educational Associate, which produces college text books.

The creative couple created a children's music group called the Sunshine Band, composing and performing songs for young children.

Harper is a talented guitarist who particularly enjoys Jimmy Buffet's music. He was inspired to purchase a sailboat about 10 years ago, after hearing Buffet's songs for the first time.