As a public service, several days ago I sent three questions to each person running for City Council. I grew tired of hearing from certain current members that we “should not have been surprised” at the plastic bag ban and decision to not let people vote. Well, I was surprised. As were others. So I wanted to get everyone on the record for next term. In my view, these are Yes/No questions - that said, I told each candidate to feel fee to elaborate as they saw fit. 1. If you prevail this fall in the election, next term, do you plan on bringing back the Styrofoam ban issue? 2. Do you envision supporting the banning of any other legal products (like plastic bags)? 3. Should you support any sort of widespread legal product ban, (or should one be proposed) will you call for a public vote on that specific issue? The answers I received: Erik Petersen: 1. No. 2. No. 3. I will not support bans, but if one went through I would want it voted on be the people. Mike Posey: 1. No. 2. No. 3. Yes, bring any issue such as that to voters a ballot initiative. Since ballot initiatives cost money it should give pause to the Council when considering future bans. Lets stay focused on public safety, economic development and balancing todays and future budgets. Lyn Semeta: 1. I would not bring back any attempt to ban Styrofoam in Huntington Beach, and would vote against any attempt to do so. 2. I do not envision supporting a ban on any legal products in Huntington Beach, and would vote against banning plastic bags should it come before Council. 3. I do not support any widespread legal product ban. That being said, should I find myself on the losing end of an ordinance which attempts to put such a ban in place, I would vote to put the issue to a public vote. Connie Boardman: 1. Newport Beach , Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente all have restrictions on the use of styrofoam as take out containers by restaurants. This is an issue coastal cities have an interest in because styrofoam is the leading type of trash on our beaches and is an issue I would like the next council to discuss. 2. Not a complete ban on any product, see above. 3. If there was evidence of widespread opposition to an action the council might take then yes I would consider that. Brenden Kenney 1. No. 2. No. 3. Not unless there is a public outcry for it and then it would need to be up to the voters. Barbara Delgleize 1. No I do not plan on bringing back the Styroform ban...I was in attendance at the meeting at the HB Chamber of Commerce where once the information was presented it was a hoax that it would accomplish what they claimed it to accomplish. As a matter of fact I plan to do away with the Ban of the Month club started by our current council. 2. No. 3. Anything that has serious impact on our residents in HB I would suggest a call for a public vote. Hector Valdez 1. No. 2. No. 3. Yes. Billy O’Connell 1.No. 2.No 3.Yes, ALWAYS a public vote on large matters like banning a legal product. Mark Bixby did not respond to my email (though has expressed in the Forum that he believes in banning Styrofam, without a public vote) Joe Shaw responded to ask if I was writing a column about this, I said no, and I did not receive a follow up response with his answers. Thank you to the candidates that took the time to answer me.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:45:01 +0000
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