THE RACE FOR HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL

Tariq Malik

Despite his 25 years of living in the city, Robert Johnson is a

newcomer to politics.

The entire process of running for city government has been a real

eye-opener, he said, adding that he hopes to bring an independent voice

to the City Council.

Johnson said the most pressing issue facing the city is ocean

pollution.

“The beach is one of the most important parts of our community. It

makes Huntington Beach what it is -- Surf City,” he said. “Without proper

care to our ocean neighbor, we might as well be just another city.”

Cleaning Surf City beaches, along with spending money wisely and not

adding any new taxes, is a pledge that he hopes to keep if elected.

Looking to the future, Johnson said the city should be on the lookout

for affordable housing.

“As a city, we need to make sure we make it possible for people to

live where they want to live by keeping tabs on affordable housing, as

well as on utilities like gas, electricity and cable, to give people a

chance to come to our city,” he said.

BIO

ROBERT JOHNSON

* Age: 48

* Family: Brothers Tom, Eric and Dan, and sisters Cecil and Heather

* Community Activism: American Red Cross volunteer

* Contact: (714) 540-0510

ROBERT JOHNSON ON:

* REDEVELOPMENT

“What we see evolving is a new Huntington Beach, breaking away from

the low-key, small-town feel into something new, and redevelopment is

largely responsible.”

Johnson said losing businesses such as the Golden Bear and the

Grinder, which have shut down over the years because of the redevelopment

of Downtown, has changed the identity of the city.

* BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE CITY

While opposed to rent control, Johnson said measures need to be taken

to address increasing rents and mortgages in the city.

“This is America, a free country, and people should have the option of

living in Huntington Beach if they want to. To do this, we need to find

room for more affordable housing for moderate- and low-income families

and set up assistance programs, either through government grants of other

ways, to help get new home buyers started in our community.”

As a new homeowner, Johnson said he understands affordable housing

needs firsthand because the rent increases at his former home were too

high.