Council challenger says he has an independent voice

Ramaul Rush A Thousand Oaks resident for 26 years, Ramaul Rush said he's decided to run for City Council because he has an independent voice and a love for his community.

The certified mediator with a law degree and a college teaching credential believes his communication skills and ability to be an independent policy decision-maker would serve the city well.

"The current City Council is imbalanced. We now have four council members who consider each other friends, who vote in like manner," Rush said. "The council needs to respect each other and work for the community in unison for the public good."

Rush said he has problemsolving skills and isn't distracted by individuals with strong personalities. He's a doer, not a talker, and a straightforward person who cares about his community, he said.

"I'd like a teen center in Newbury Park where the youth will be able to gather amongst their peers," he said.

He's also ready to tackle the financial issues facing the city as sales tax revenues decline and it feels the effects of the global and state money crisis, Rush said.

"The city needs to attract business and revitalize the boulevard," he said.

Thousand Oaks Boulevard is the last major project in the city that's "pretty much at build-out," Rush said.

"Mixed-use is here—not just in New York or Europe. It's just a matter of when. Change is inevitable," Rush said.

Mixed-use is a combination of residential and business zoning, sometimes as dwellings above retailers that occupy the first story.

"Whatever goes on the boulevard will have to be looked at to make sure the architectural design is compatible. Traffic will also be a consideration," he said.

Regarding public safety, Rush said he sees advantages in the city having its own police department—like Simi Valley—rather than contracting with the county as T.O. currently does.

"Simi Valley is very satisfied with their police force," he said.

Ventura County supervisors could close the East County Jail again at any time, Rush said.

He also thinks the city isn't aggressive enough about code enforcement in neighborhoods with cars parked in yards, vacant properties that could be easily vandalized and too many people living in the same dwelling, he said.

"No one wants to discriminate. Multiple occupancy affects the health, safety and general welfare of citizens," Rush said.

He'd also like to work with California Department of Transportation to create a task force to deal with graffiti on freeway sound walls throughout Thousand Oaks, Rush said.