More "We" Less "Us vs. Them"

By Joe Shaw

The job of a City Councilman is to find consensus; to search for mutually agreeable solutions to our city's problems.

They expect plain talk and honesty.

So let's talk about the proposed Senior Center in Central Park.

First, let's set the record straight: most people in Huntington Beach can see the need for doing something about our current senior center. Anyone who visits can see that the meeting rooms are small and outdated, the auditorium is too small for current needs and we can always use more parking downtown.

Second, most everyone in Huntington Beach sees the need for saving and preserving our parkland, beaches and open space. Huntington Beach residents have shown this time and again, from passing Measure C to the hard work and perseverance that have saved much of the Bolsa Chica wetlands from development.

So now we have a controversial ballot measure in November pitting two needs against each other: The need for an excellent Senior Center facility and the need to save our open space.

Instead of forcing a confrontation between these two needs and between two constituency groups, our city leaders could have involved all of our residents so the city as a whole could come up with a mutual decision on what we should do about the Senior Center. The job of a City Councilman is to find consensus; to search for mutually agreeable solutions to our city's problems.

This is why I am running for city council. Our city needs more "we" and less "us vs. them."

On Nov. 7th, help me change Huntington Beach for the better. I'll be a voice for our residents and small businesses. It's time for a change. I believe each of us can make a difference. Together, let's change City Hall for the better.