THE RACE FOR HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL

Tariq Malik

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Lou Baker said his background as an entrepreneur

can benefit the city, although he doesn’t have any previous political

experience.

The eight-year resident hopes to make up for his lack of experience

and community activism with ideas on how to broaden representation in the

city. He supports splitting the city up into four council districts --

based on population -- with three seats at large to represent families,

seniors and the moral majority.

To be successful, the city must really focus on future planning, Baker

said.

“When the Disneyland Resort was built, it was designed first,” he

said. “We need to plan first and decide what direction we want the city,

as a destination resort, to go before we start redevelopment projects and

construction.”

A cohesive plan, he added, means increased revenue for the city and

better services for residents.

BIO

LOU BAKER

* Age: 63

* Family: Three grown children

* Community Activism: None

* Contact: (714) 375-2244 or (714) 842-2340

LOU BAKER ON:

* REDEVELOPMENT

Redevelopment in this city hinges on the presence of a master plan,

Baker said.

“We need a master plan for the process, not just a focus on one

project at a time,” he said.

Before any new projects are approved, a city theme should be

established to ensure the developers fit into the community, he said.

* THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE CITY

Baker said the city’s major problem is a lack of revenue to fund

development, infrastructure and a variety of other services, and until

that is solved, there won’t be any preparation for the future.

“How can you make a difference tomorrow if we don’t do it today?” he

asked.