Guest opinion
Van Dam thanks, addresses city voters
Mark Van Dam Moorpark City Councilmember

I would like to express my gratitude for all of the support I have received for this election. I am grateful for all of the kind words, encouragement, and advice. I could not have done i t without you, the Moorpark residents. The positive comments and reassurances I received from my family, supporters, and friends were crucial.

This was a very close race and all of the candidates knew that it would be. I appreciate the dedication and hard work the other candidates put into this election, and look forward to their input as important issues arise that must be considered.

I received a multitude of suggestions, advice, and impressions from hundreds of residents throughout our city during this campaign. While I may not have agreed with all, I am truly thankful for every opinion and the opportunity to make many new friends and acquaintances. Every comment I received was important and will be reflected upon.

I was also flattered to be described as "youthful" and compared to an "action movie hero" by Dr. Mikos and Dr. Harper, as well as the kind words from Councilmember Millhouse.

From the time I decided to make this campaign a priority, my goals and objectives were clear: get the residents informed, increase the cooperation between the school district and city, find a lasting solution to the truck traffic issues, emphasize that all growth must be reasonable and will benefit the residents, and guarantee that the use of eminent domain be used wisely and not abused.

The Nov. 10 edition of the Moorpark Acorn included an editorial article commenting on my position on the use of eminent domain and requested clarification. The article reported, "Early in his campaign, Van Dam stated . . . he was against its use altogether." It should be made very clear that I have never said that I am against the use of eminent domain, nor have I ever campaigned for the passage of Proposition 90.

The article also mentioned an automated phone announcement that showed a "clear shift in philosophy." The phone message in question actually stated, "I know Moorpark can do better when it comes to improving our schools . . . and eliminating eminent domain abuse."

My position always reflected that the use of eminent domain is a tool that should be used rarely and as an extreme last resort. I made this very clear at the candidates forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce early in the campaign and at subsequent appearances and discussions. To give the impression that I flip flopped near the end of this campaign is incorrect and inaccurate.

This has been an incredible journey, and I look forward to serving the citizens of Moorpark over the next four years with pride and integrity. I ran for this position to make a positive contribution to our entire community, and that is exactly what I intend to do.