Georgette Gomez amongst her supporters in City Heights.
Progressive activist Georgette Gómez announces run for public office
By Brent E. Beltrán
On Tuesday morning, surrounded by her partner, family and supporters in City Heights, community activist Georgette Gómez declared her intent to run for City Council in District 9. A resident of City Heights’ Azalea Park, Ms. Gómez wants to be a champion for all D9 residents.
“I believe that we need elected officials who not only listen to our communities when they organize but someone who can actively and proactively serve us,” says Gómez.
“We need a champion of our community. We need a champion of our environment. We need a champion for local small businesses. After much careful thought and consideration I’ve decided to be that champion and run for City Council in District 9.”
Georgette has been active and engaged in City Heights as a member of various boards and projects since she’s lived there over the past eight years.
She helped bring the first Farmers Market to City Heights, helped secure over $20 million for walking, biking and public transportation improvements in D9 and helped develop an ordinance that allows urban gardening in the city.
“Our neighborhoods are still not receiving the same resources as communities north of 8,” says Gómez. And we “don’t have the quality of life of other neighborhoods.”
She’s also been heavily involved in Barrio Logan through her work with the Environmental Health Coalition, where she is Associate Director of their Toxic Free Neighborhoods campaign. She was also very active in the formation of the update to the Barrio Logan Community Plan and lead the Yes on B & C campaign which was crushed at the ballot box through lies perpetrated by maritime industry and money from San Diego’s elite interests.
“We can not use the old models of growth as we once did. We need smart growth. Innovative growth that promotes green energy, uses of alternative modes of transportation and the preservation of our communities as they deem fit. I will ensure that the residents of District 9 determine how their neighborhoods grow and evolve to serve the diverse population.”
Georgette Gomez announces her candidacy for Distict 9’s City Council seat.
With Marti Emerald declining to run for a second term the field is wide open. Currently two other candidates have declared their intent to run: Emerald’s Chief of Staff Ricardo Flores and divorce and family attorney Araceli Martinez.
With the June 2016 primary over a year away there is still plenty of room for others to jump into the race including another possible progressive candidate that has backing from taxi drivers and a potential dark horse shill for Mayor Faulconer.
San Diego’s District 9 includes the communities of Alvarado Estates, City Heights, College Area, College View Estates, El Cerrito, Kensington, Mountain View, Mt. Hope, Rolando, Southcrest, and Talmadge.
“Our district can no longer take a back seat when it comes to issues of infrastructure, housing, smart growth, and transportation. Being involved in my community comes first.”
The environment, affordable housing, alternative transportation, and healthy communities are all things Georgette Gómez has championed through the years. She’s worked hard her entire life fighting for social justice. Now the biggest fight of her civic life is in front of her. And she looks forward to being the champion District 9 needs.
“I want to be a strong partner with the residents of District 9. I want to be able to lift up our community. There’s a lot that we can do together to lift up our community and make this community shine and thrive.”
Disclosure: the author is stepfather to three of Georgette Gómez’s niece and nephews and has also worked with her on various issues related to Barrio Logan.
Brent E. Beltrán
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