Meet Brian Cameron, Candidate For Calabasas City Council

CALABASAS, CA — As ballots start to hit Calabasas mailboxes, it’s time for locals to get to know their candidates.

Come Nov. 8, five candidates will vie for three open Calabasas City Council seats as Mayor Mary Sue Maurer, James Bozajian and David Shapiro have terms ending this year. Bozajian and Shapiro are both running for reelection.

Calabasas residents will also weigh in on a number of other local elections, including the Las Virgenes Unified School District and local water district.

Visit this link for more information about the upcoming Calabasas election.

A number of City Council candidates answered questions to introduce themselves to Patch readers. Get to know Brian Cameron:

Age (as of Election Day)

75

Party Affiliation

Non-partisan but I am currently a registered Republican.

Family

Married for 40 years, 3 children, 4 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from California State University.

Occupation

President of Emergency Preparedness In Calabasas - A Fire Safe Council. EPIC-FSC is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization I co-founded a year-and-a-half ago.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Calabasas Public Safety Commissioner since 2016.

Campaign website

bcforcitycouncil.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe I can make the residents of Calabasas safer from natural disasters through outreach programs. I also feel I can add financial strength to the Council.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have created an emergency outreach 501(c)(3) organization that is complementing the city's efforts at emergency preparedness. I also bring a strong financial skill set having been (earlier in my career) a consulting partner in a "Big 8" (now a "Big 4") accounting firm.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I am one of five candidates (two incumbents and three newcomers) who are vying for three council seats. I wouldn't characterize the contest as anyone having "failed" the community. Calabasas is a wonderful city but city staff has so far been unable to penetrate the apathy of residents particularly in regard to emergency preparedness. I have built an entity to cross that void.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Part I Crime rates are too high particularly looking at year over year statistics. The city needs better parks and programs for the teens and tweens. The city has a looming conflict with the State over low income housing.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My working career was principally spent in management consulting where the ability to accurately define the problem and craft a solution that is not only right but executable was fundamental. I was very good at solving complex problems. The growing success of EPIC-FSC is another example of the application of this skill set.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." In other words, leave well enough alone.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am an independent thinker, not beholden to any set group or philosophy. My whole focus is on continuing to make Calabasas the preeminent destination in the San Fernando Valley for families and businesses.