City Council candidate Mark Rolfes focuses on high-density housing, Poseidon, safety

Every few weeks, Mark Rolfes and some of his friends from Huntington Beach would gather to discuss issues facing the community.

High-density housing, the proposed Poseidon desalination plant and public safety were among the hot topics.

Something had to change, Rolfes thought. So the 19-year resident decided to run for one of three seats on the seven-member City Council.

Rolfes, the vice president of sales at Torrance-based Pelican Products, which makes protective cases and portable lighting systems, said his expertise in negotiation, mediation and contract negotiations make him an ideal councilman.

He said he does not agree with proposals to add more high-density development, but “it’s here, and we have to learn to deal with it.”

“High-density development can be a good thing, if it’s done properly,” he said, noting that other cities like San Francisco are more equipped for such buildings. “It drives revenue. But they need to be built smart. Give them the proper setbacks, allocate space for low-rent housing, plan for a proper amount of parking and attract retail to drive revenue. Study how it will affect traffic into the city.

“It needs to be communicated to the public.”

Regarding the Poseidon desalination plant, Rolfes, 53, said it should be located in an area with less development and not pose a significant impact on the community. He added that he doesn’t approve of the city’s current deal with Poseidon.

“Based on what I know about Poseidon, I’m against it,” Rolfes said. “That 50-year contract is a long time, and technology can change a lot. To sign an agreement for that long is a very risky move for the city.”

He said city council members should focus more on public safety, especially how to make areas riddled with car accidents safer.

“There have been several fatal accidents on Warner, for example, between Edwards and Pacific Coast Highway,” Rolfes said. “The public has not seen any changes to the street and no communications saying what the city is doing to address those fatalities. There’s nothing being promoted by the city saying they’re studying the issues.”

He proposed lit stop and yield signs as effective, low-cost options to help keep streets safer.

The city also needs to work on attracting more businesses, Rolfes said, adding that business owners have told him Huntington Beach is too strict with rules, regulations and inspections.

“There needs to be more give and take and open lines with the community,” he said.

During his campaign, Rolfes, who is married with two children, has met with various community and city groups to find out what they are concerned about. He said he will continue doing that through the election.

“Nobody yet has given me anything that isn’t an instrumental goal,” Rolfes said. “It’s just proper lines of communication, knowing the government channels to work on and bringing both sides to negotiate or mediate a workable solution.”

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Twitter: @BrittanyWoolsey