The golden boy

Bryce Alderton

He’s a man of the state now, but Assemblyman Tom Harman continues to

solve problems here in his own backyard.

Harman (R-Huntington Beach) was recently named Legislator of the Year

by the Golden State Mobile Home Owners League for his help in improving

the lives of mobile home residents.

“I am very honored [the league] selected me,” Harman said. “Mobile

home living provides a good source of affordable housing, which is a

critical issue up and down the state of California.”

Mobile homes provide an affordable housing alternative for both

seniors that might be on a fixed income, and young families just starting

out, Harman said.

Harman, a former Huntington Beach City Councilman, has helped mobile

home residents with his success in passing Assembly Bill 1202 in July.

The bill solved a long standing debate between mobile home park owners

and their residents.

Park owners had complained about residents inviting people from other

mobile home parks to gatherings, which often became boisterous and out of

control.

Residents were irate when owners began demanding extra deposits and

proof of insurance.

Harman’s bill, which Gov. Gray Davis signed in July, prohibits mobile

home park owners from requiring proof of insurance or a security deposit

when residents want to hold meetings in a park’s clubhouse.

But the bill allows park owners to prohibit the use of alcoholic

beverages in the clubhouse unless insurance has been provided.

“Typically alcohol is not served at these meetings,” Harman said.

This is just one of many helping hands Harman as lent to mobile home

park owners and residents.

Harman has supported seven bills pertaining to mobile home residents

this year.

“We need smart planning to preserve and protect the few remaining

mobile home parks we have in the state,” Harman said. “I hate to see

[mobile home parks] close and turn into something else.”