Billy O’Connell

Name: Billy O’Connell

Age: 45

Birth place: New York

How long have you lived in Huntington Beach? 17 years

Occupation: executive director of Colette’s Children’s Home and a small business owner

Education: bachelor’s degree in accounting, degree from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Previously elected or appointed positions: Huntington Beach public works commissioner and Huntington Beach Downtown Ad Hoc Committee

Community organizations you belong to: Huntington Beach Kiwanis, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Peace Officers Assn., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Assn.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Huntington Beach right now? Budget deficit, unsustainable employee union pensions and lack of focus on our infrastructure

What is one decision in the last year the City Council got right and why would you have supported it? I fully support the city promoting early retirement to employees. It provides a smaller government that is more effective and efficient.

What is one decision in the last year the City Council got wrong, or partially wrong, and why would you have voted differently? Approval of fee increases/hidden taxes. It is hurting all residents in Huntington Beach but especially our seniors who have fixed incomes. We need to stop the madness.