Jim Katapodis' Position on Huntington Beach Issues

By Jim Katapodis

See Jim's position on new Senior Center, the Downtown, Poseidon, Bolsa Chica, City Charter changes, and others.

Downtown Bars - City Council should closely monitor the downtown bar scene and take action to control rowdy and unruly patrons, prevent property damage caused by patrons, and stop drunk drivers from endangering lives. The Huntington Beach Police Department must strictly enforce the laws in the downtown to protect its residents, businesses, and visitors.

Downtown Development - I advocate managed growth of our City, particularly in the downtown. I will watch every project proposed in the downtown and ensure that they are compatible with residences and existing businesses.

Poseidon Desalination Plant - I support the Desalination Plant because it will create much needed jobs, provide a reliable source of water to Huntington Beach and the Orange County, and generate over $100 Million in revenues and benefits to our City over the next 30 years.

Beach-Edinger Corridors - I support improvement of these two vital corridors in a time where jobs are few and the revenue of the City of Huntington Beach is threatened with budget cuts and layoffs. The new businesses in these corridors will put people back to work and boost revenues that support City services without raising existing taxes. New residential units will help address a projected housing demand and provide affordable housing opportunities.

City Infrastructure - I will work to ensure that critical upgrades and improvements are made to our infrastructure, which is critical to the quality of our lives. I oppose Proposition O because in times of a down economy such as now, "fencing off " money only for infrastructure that may be needed for other critical priorities, such as public safety, is unwise.

Mobile Home Park Conversions - The 2004 Ordinance provides for a sensitive relocation of residents affected by mobile home park closures and conversions. I will work with the mobile home community to prevent abusive practices to residents and ensure their needs are addressed.

Bolsa Chica - The Bolsa Chica Wetlands is a tremendous asset to our City. The City should work with state and local agencies to protect the wetlands from pollution, sensitive habitat degradation, and damage by humans. I will ensure that such development does not impact the protected Bolsa Chica areas.

City Charter - I do not support changes to have an elected Mayor in the City of Huntington. We need to find other ways to fund infrastructure besides "fencing off" 15% of the City's general funds, as would happen if Proposition O is enacted. When there is a serious budget shortfall, the City Council must have maximum leeway to make sure that the City's most critical services are funded.

Pensions - Constitutionally we cannot rescind commitments to current public employees who have paid into the pension system. We cannot continue sustaining these pensions for new employees without raising taxes and fees. We need to look at other government pension options such as a two tier system for new government employees so that the taxpayer is not burdened with escalating pension costs.