Dr. Theodore Corwin, running for Westlake Village city council

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of profiles on the four candidates for Westlake Village City Council in the Nov. 6 election. The profiles will appear today, Friday, Saturday and Wednesday.

For the past 30 years, Theodore Corwin, M.D., has lived in Westlake Village, which he calls "the most amazing city."

He decided to run for City Council this year because of his desire to "give back" to the community, he said.

There has never been a physician on the council.

Corwin is a managing partner of a local medical practice and a skiing and biking enthusiast. He has served on the New West Symphony board of directors for 10 years.

Many people in the city are concerned about timely medical response and expeditious emergency care, Corwin said. With that in mind, he would like to reactivate the city's dormant medical committee and further open a dialogue with all the key links in the emergency medical response system, from the Fire Department to local hospitals, to make sure that "people are comfortable with every step of their medical care," he said.

Because local residents are concerned with good health and wellness, Corwin said, he also would like to develop a stronger relationship with the California Health and Longevity Institute Health and Wellness Institute at the new Four Seasons Hotel.

Another issue facing the city is its economic health, he said.

"It is the business in our city that fuels the economy that puts the money in the coffers," he said. "We are primed for some redevelopment in several areas in the city. I think we need to attract new business, good business, and we need to treat the businesses that are here very well so they can survive and continue to put money in the city coffers."

He cited three key development issues in the city that bear watching: the joint city YMCA project, the Opus project at the site where city voters rejected a Lowe's Home Improvement store and the proposed Sunrise senior residential complex at the site of the old Westlake Hospital.

The Sunrise project as now proposed is "too big for the middle of the city," Corwin said. "I would love to see something more community-oriented."

In an online candidate's statement, he expressed his support for a community center.

"It seems there is a strong consensus in our city that we are in need of a community center. People would like a gathering place that would increase the community cohesiveness. They see a need for a place for concerts, activities and events of community interest," he said. "Because this is high on the list of priorities expressed by our citizens, I would put this high on the council's agenda.

Theodore Corwin

Age: 63.

Occupation: Plastic surgeon.

Education: M.D. University of Missouri; general surgery residency, Washington University in St. Louis; plastic surgery residency, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Political experience: None.

Favorite movie: The original "Heartbreak Kid."

Web site: www.TheodoreCorwin.blogspot.com.