David Bagwell Longtime Moorpark resident and business owner David Bagwell announced this week that he will run for the City Council seat vacated last year by Mayor Janice Parvin.

Interim Councilmember Gary Lowenberg is filling the position until a special election takes place in June. The official filing period begins Feb. 9.

"I've always volunteered in Moorpark and serving on the council is just one thing I haven't done yet. I think my skill set in management would help me to give back in that way," he said.

Bagwell would use his private business skills to help make sure that tax dollars are spent wisely. The city has several capital improvements in the pipeline that would benefit from his expertise, he said.

"Good budget planning and scheduling is important."

Development should also fit the needs of residents in Moorpark. "I want to see the city grow in a way that benefits the people who live here and in a way that is fair to all the local taxpayers. Money must be spent reasonably and equitably," he said.

Bagwell, 43, and his wife, Jodi, who was appointed to serve on the Moorpark Planning Commission last month, moved here from Manhattan Beach about 14 years ago.

"We wanted to find a nice community to raise a family," said Bagwell. "Moorpark reminds me of North Carolina, where I grew up, but without all of the mosquitoes. We absolutely love it here."

After serving eight years in the U. S. Army as an infantry soldier, Bagwell returned to school to earn a bachelor's degree in construction management from North Carolina A & T State University.

He came to California in 1992 to work for Turner Construction in Los Angeles. While working as a hospital builder, Bagwell earned his MBA from Pepperdine University.

Following the birth of daughters Katie and Emily, David and Jodi Bagwell started Bagwell Construction Services, Inc. in 2002.

The business provides general contracting and construction management services to residential and commercial clients in the region.

Bagwell Construction Services was chosen to be the general contractor on three episodes of "Extreme Makeover—Home Edition" in 2004 and has consulted on numerous other projects for the show since then. Bagwell was also hired to remodel the home of "Extreme Makeover's" executive producer, Rob Day.

In 2004 Bagwell and his wife established Moorpark Development Company, LLC to invest in residential and commercial properties.

The Bagwells also make time to volunteer in the community. They are members of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and they assist at local sports events.

Bagwell Construction has also helped rebuild homes that were burned in the 2006 Shekell fire, and company employees started their own Clean the Arroyo day a year ago. "Community volunteers, including a lot of high school students, even chipped in and helped out," Bagwell said.

"We love this town. This is the best place to raise children and golden retrievers," he said.

Bagwell said his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise would help the city move forward during the struggling economy.

"I've faced many tough business decisions in the past. I am confident that I can enhance the great team already in place with the difficult decisions ahead."

As the owner of a company that has worked on projects that cost up to $450 million, Bagwell believes he can assist the council in dealing with real estate issues, contract review and the redevelopment of downtown.

Public safety also is a priority for Bagwell, who said he has a good relationship with local authorities and he intends to support their efforts. While Moorpark is one of the safest cities in the country, petty theft and graffiti crimes have gotten out of hand, he said. "We, as citizens, need to be more vigilant and call the police when we see crimes occurring."

As a city representative, Bagwell said he would also support the work of local emergency response agencies and groups.

"Bagwell is a very successful businessman who has been very involved in community activities, and I think we need more people like him to come forward," said state Sen. Tony Strickland, a Moorpark resident.

Moorpark would benefit greatly from Bagwell's leadership, Strickland said. "I think he would be a tremendous councilman."