RV Park Debate

The reaction of the Port Hueneme city manager and council to my presentation on the economic feasibility of their proposed RV park is the most unprofessional I have ever witnessed in my career as an RV park consultant. After defaming my credentials in a 10-page report issued in public two weeks after I was face-to-face with them, I believe certain allegations must be answered.

Yes, my firm, Executive Services Group, is pleased to provide management services for the California Travel Parks Assn., which includes both public- and private-owned RV park members. I find it especially interesting that the city finds my study to be a conflict of interest because I’ve testified before Congress on unfair governmental-sponsored RV parks and campgrounds pricing practices.

Here, in a nutshell, is my testimony. When government-run RV parks price themselves below their operating costs, there are three losers. Competing private RV parks are put out of business. The RV-ing enthusiast is deprived of alternative camping options. And, lastly and most importantly, taxpayers should not have to subsidize the privileged few who camp at these government-owned parks at reduced pricing.

This latter point is very pertinent. If my study is correct, and I believe it is, the only way the Port Hueneme RV Park could possibly stay open is through taxpayer subsidies.

If Port Hueneme’s city manager and council wish to discount my report because of such “pro-private ownership” leanings, so be it. However, I would caution Port Hueneme’s taxpayers to ask more questions.

JOHN F. IMLER

Auborn

John Imler is managing general partner of Executive Services Group