By Judi Curry
A “meet and greet” was held Sunday in Pt. Loma to introduce Point Loma Democrats and friends to David Alvarez, a candidate running for the position of Mayor of San Diego.
It was the first time that many of the attendees had ever met Mr. Alvarez, and there was great interest from the over 50 people in attendance in what he had to say, how he said it, and what he sees for the future of San Diego. He gave willingly of his time, and spent almost three hours answering every question asked. It is interesting to note that at no time did he evade the questions, and from this observation was honest and sincere in what he said.
He stated that his leadership goal as the mayor of San Diego is to continue the community action that is so badly needed in San Diego. He said that he would put the “neighborhoods” first and work on infrastructure so badly needed in our city today.
David was born and raised in San Diego. His mother worked in fast food restaurants when he was a child; his father was a janitor. His brothers are currently blue-collar workers. He was the first one to finish college and certainly the first to enter politics.
He is an environmentalist and feels that San Diego needs to come up with a good climate action plan, promoting solar projects, recapture of water to be used in projects such as “showers to flowers.” He feels that in the past the city neglected communities to build up the down-town area, and we are suffering from that neglect now. We have hardly any parks or open space for families to take their children; we have fire stations that are closed down; police are leaving the city for better paying jobs in neighboring communities. He cited that Petco Park is $15 million dollars in the hole, and another $3 million was just tacked on to that. That money could have gone to help other neighborhoods improve their infrastructure.
As a City Council member, when then-mayor Jerry Sanders pushed to prioritize downtown development and tourism interests, Alvarez was the prime dissenter. He was the only vote against the downtown-dominated list of projects to be completed with state redevelopment funds. He argued that other neighborhoods deserved a fair share of the cash.
David was instrumental in introducing a proposal to require contractors on many City of San Diego public works projects to pay prevailing wages to its employees. It passed the City Council by a 5-4 vote.
Alvarez expressed concern about climate change in our environment. He quoted Dr. Ralph Keeling about what we can expect in the next 40 years. He said we are way behind the challenges that are facing us with rising oceans, rising bays, etc., and it is time that we start preparing for the changes to come.
There were many questions asked of Alvarez, and this reviewer was impressed with the honest answers given. He touched on the Coastal Commission’s approval of the expansion of the Convention Center; he touched on the possibility of a new Chargers stadium. He was asked what he thought should become of the old downtown library and he compared what has happened to the World Trade Center building – now housing homeless people and offering services to them – to what can be done to the library.
In David’s words, “ . . . the campaign is going to come down to the hard work and dedication of the voters of San Diego. Please sign up to volunteer to work on the campaign and one of the volunteer coordinators will get back to you with opportunities to get involved.”
This reporter had not made up her mind about whom to vote. After listening to David; after hearing his ideas and actually having plans to put them to work, the inclination to vote for him is quite strong. Listen to him; listen to the others; He needs all the neighborhood and community support he can garner.
The ballots go out this week. Absentee ballots also go out this week. If you truly want a mayor that can stand up to the “old boys club” – you might just take a close look to David Alvarez.
To contact the Campaign: (619) 402-1330 or http://www.alvarezformayor.
Judi Curry
Latest posts by Judi Curry (see all)
- What the Heck? The Story of My Randomly Sounding Fire Alarms - June 1, 2017
- My April Fool’s Day Story for the Year – Looking for a Man - April 1, 2017
- Restaurant Review: Pepe’s in Ocean Beach - March 15, 2017
Can’t wait to see/hear if, and about when, you attend a small regional meet and greet with Nathan Fletcher and what impression you glean from that event. Then you can compare for all of us faithful readers the differences and similarities of the two leading Democratic candidates along with your recommendations, now that Bruce Coons has dropped out. I am still leaning towards Fletcher and all information is appreciated.
Thank you Dana. I, too, would like to attend a meeting with Nathan Fletcher. I have been an Aguirre supporter but know that he does not have a chance to win the election. I WAS favorable impressed with Alvarez, and before I cast my mail-in ballot – in the next week or so – I want to give Fletcher a chance.
There have been many signs for Fletcher in the neighborhoods, but found out from David that HIS signs won’t be ready until this week. But signs cost money – and he wasn’t in the position to have them made up.
I hope to hear Fletcher sometime this week. If you know where he is speaking, and they are not asking for a huge donation – a drawback for me – let me know. Judi
I looked at his website and went to the place where it says debate calendar. I see there is one at the Mission Valley library on Oct 26 at noon. That is convenient for me. It doesn’t list an individual type get together location but a phone call to his campaign office might yield other options.
I had checked that out also. I would like to find a “meet and greet” earlier. I don’t want a “canned” speech. I do have a call into his headquarters. Thank you for doing some research for me. (The Mission Valley one is put on by the League of Women Voters, along with the U/T.) The fact the the UT is part of the debate – at least in asking questions puts me off some. But I will find a place and let you know. Do you want to go with me?
I left out that there are a lot of Fletcher signs by my home too. And all I see besides them are Faulconer signs on public property. You told me why. I would like to hear Fletcher and I am available if I don’t have a conflict. Perhaps we WILL find some common ground yet. Insert a nervous laugh. You can reach me through my e-mail listed with the SDFP or ask Anna. If nothing else there is an air of some excitement about the upcoming election and I do hope for a decent turnout. You never know.