"Everyone in Huntington Beach needs to be an environmentalist," he
said. "We cannot put that aside. In any new development, the first
concern has to be how it will affect the environment."
Hansen plans to go into the council with an open mind, form a bond
with all the council members and avoid becoming part of a voting
bloc.
Mayor Cathy Green said the daily workings of the council make it
hard for anyone to really come on and rock the boat.
"Everyone comes in and expects to make big changes, but in the end
it doesn't matter because we all have to work together," she said.
"Certainly Don has his own philosophy, but I wouldn't expect any big
changes. Look at all the things there are 7-0 votes on."
Hansen comes to the dais during a key transition time for
progressive Debbie Cook, who was reelected in a resounding victory
but returns without her closest ally, Connie Boardman, who opted not
to run for reelection.
Hansen said the two will probably disagree on some issues, but he
remains optimistic about their chances for getting along.
"I have complete respect for her," he said. "She's very
intelligent and she knows how to make her positions known."
* DAVE BROOKS covers City Hall. He can be reached at (714)
966-4609 or by e-mail at dave.brooks@latimes.com.
