Editor’s note: The North Coast News has asked four questions of all candidates running for Ocean Shores City Council. The replies will be published in advance of when primary ballots go out July 14, and will be available online at northcoastnews.com.
Carlos Roldan,
City Council Position 7
Age 61, resident Ocean Shores for 3 yrs. Wife – Debbie Roldan; Mother – Ruth Roldan; Father – Albert Roldan. Why I picked Ocean Shores: My wife and I always wanted a river or a lake in our back yard, now I have a lake and the ocean five minutes away. Why God guided me to this small town, I’m not sure, but I’m here to serve this community to the best of my ability.
I grew up in Boyle Height Los Angeles, a gang-infested community. Graduated from Roosevelt High School in East Los Angeles. Enlisted in the U.S. Navy for 3 years, on board the USS Ranger CVA 61. My job was Catapult Engineer. Worked for Southern California Gas Company, field service engineer for 35 years. During my employment with the Southern Calif. Gas Company, I was a union regional contract policy representative for 22 years.
Do you favor the Point Brown Avenue redesign project moving forward, and if so, which of the alternatives do you favor and what suggestions do you have for funding?
I don’t favor the Point Brown project moving forward, with a yearly 3% inflation cost. I don’t recall prior City Council meetings, hearing about a 3% yearly inflation cost? The city mayor and all council members need a mass meeting with all point brown parcel owners and research a grant that would cover repairs, resurfacing, striping safe bicycle and walking path along Point Brown. The Point Brown project will NOT increase city revenue and will take away the beach atmosphere I enjoy and visitors like.
The city faces a dilemma with funding set to expire for seven firefighters. Do you favor retaining these positions, why or why not, and if so, how would suggest they be paid for?
Our city mayor and City Council, they ALL knew this was only a 2-year agreement with the 7 Fire Fighters. In the last 6 months, there has been no Agenda on how the property taxpayers are going to pay for the 7 Fire Fighters. The Town worked well with 7 Less Fire Fighters before, it can do it again!
What three items of public interest and benefit would you propose as a council member and what three items would you like to see changed in the city of Ocean Shores?
Item 1 – Purchase the vacant lot that’s on Point Brown, and make it into a visitor parking lot with a public restroom, solar lighting, open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. item 2 – Clean, repair, and restock fish to our fresh waterways. Why would one buy ahome on the lake or on the canal, if there is NO Fish in it ? item 3 – Allow golf carts be driven, only to and fromOcean Shores Golf Course. Golf cart owner would pay a fee and owner sign a city liability waver. Our mayor and City Council have forgotten that this is a senior community, that why most bought homes here.
Change item 1. – Talk with FAA on how the city can use the airport to have city events, like out door concerts, youth drag races, and other events if possible. 2 – Redesign the Youth Skate Park, and install solar lighting. The mayor and City Council have forgotten that this community has teens living in it also. 3 – Contract out our city grass cutting, this would save the city cost of – wages, benefits, liability, workers compensation, vehicle maintenance, purchasing tools and equipment.
Would you continue the city’s contract with the Pinnacle Group to help manage and market the Ocean Shores Convention Center, and what suggestions do you have for the facility in the long term?
No, I would NOT recommended we continue our contract withPinnacle Group. The report the city paid for shows a high number of items our Convention Center Director (Mayor) needs to focus on and correct. I would terminate our Convention Center director, reevaluate the job duties of all Convention Center employees. Hire a knowledgeable sales and marketing individual and have that person terminate and hire individuals that meet the proper qualifications, so that the Convention Center can have profitable events.
