Office: Director, Conejo Recreation & Park District, Division 1
Name: Charles B. “Chuck” Huffer
Website: Huffer4CRPD.org
Current Occupation/Service: retired Financial Planner; current CRPD Director
1. Why Me?
As a 44-year resident of Thousand Oaks and having raised 2 children in our community, my family and I have used and continue to use the facilities, programs and open space provided by CRPD to our residents, young and not-so-young. Even before I was first elected to the CRPD Board in 2012, I served on community focus groups involved in early-stage planning for Conejo Creek and Sapwi Trails.
2. Pressing Issues
The top issue facing CRPD as we go forward is how to provide the financial resources necessary to not only maintain our parks and facilities to the standards expected by our community but to plan long-term for the needed major renovations or replacement of several of our aging community centers. As a retired financial planner, and as a long-time member of the District’s Budget and Finance Committee, I have the experience to address these needs.
3. Present Leadership
I do not feel that the present leadership has failed to address this issue. CRPD senior staff and the current Board have looked at several long-term measures for increasing revenues for the District, most of which would require 2/3s support of the voters in our community. Recent independent surveys have shown majority support for such measures, but not 2/3s support.
4. What Else?
CRPD Directors are far from “professional” public servants. I can only speak for myself when I say that I have taken on this role out of love for our community and for my friends and neighbors who call the Conejo Valley home. As a retiree, I am fortunate to have the time to devote not only to the CRPD Board but to other volunteer organizations: the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program’s tax assistance program, the local not-for-profit youth soccer organization, and others.
