THE RACE FOR HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL

Tariq Malik

John Thomas was a two-term councilman, serving from 1978 to 1986. He and his family have been residents for about 35 years and have operated a

local business for 40 years.

Thomas said he can use the practical knowledge he’s garnered from his

business life and time on the City Council to attract new businesses into

Huntington Beach.

While Thomas is concerned about crime, redevelopment and the

preservation of the Bolsa Chica wetlands and other coastal environments,

drawing new business into the city will provide a number of benefits.

New business means increased revenue to fund better facilities and

services for residents and will strengthen the city’s economy with jobs,

he said.

BIO

JOHN THOMAS

* Age: 61

* Family: Seven children and 13 grandchildren * Community Activism: Supports youth groups

* Contact: (714) 556-1834 and (714) 448-4057

JOHN THOMAS ON:

* REDEVELOPMENT

“The city is using redevelopment as a viscous tool to ruin businesses

such as the Burlington Coat Factory and Wards. It’s also using eminent

domain on residents of the Downtown area,” he said.

Thomas said haphazard redevelopment and the use of eminent domain are

two of the most important issues in the city today, which, along with

infrastructure improvements and environmental concerns, must be

addressed.

* BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE CITY

Thomas said a trio of issues will challenge the city in the upcoming

years.

The city needs to work with its business community for commercial

development, as well as on ways to draw new businesses in to help create

a better tax base, he said.

Thomas added that eminent domain will continue to be a problem in the

city.