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Dissenting Voices Emerge in San Diego Politics

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The cheering for the city administration’s Rebuild San Diego plan wasn’t quite as loud as expected yesterday, as critics from both the right and the left made their discontent known. Mayor Faulconer held a press conference yesterday in front of the construction in progress for a new library in Skyline Heights, urging the city council to place the plan before the voters in June.

The Times of San Diego reported that the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, a group known for its advocacy of conservative fiscal positions, was skeptical about Councilmember Mark Kersey’s ballot proposal to budget billions for infrastructure needs. The SDCTA offered up a list of suggestions, saying they were wary of ballot-box budgeting.

Councilmember David Alvarez offered up an alternative infrastructure proposal with a more aggressive timeline of ten years relying on a combination of property tax increment, debt service savings, and use of general fund savings realized through efficiencies.   [Read more…]

Why the 2016 Race for City Attorney Matters

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There is no more important local electoral contest than the race for City Attorney. This relatively obscure office has been the part of government where dreams come to die, the priorities of the modern-day landed gentry are enforced, and the political will of the city’s business interests is turned into policy.

Incumbent City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, elected in 2008, deserves credit for molding his agency into a politically powerful entity. While his record is far from spotless, the more general thrust of developing a well-coordinated keeper of the flame for business interests has proven to be a valuable asset for the local moneyed classes.

Today we’ll take a sneak peak at the four candidates vying to replace Goldsmith, along with my general assessment of where they stand in relation to preserving the status quo.   [Read more…]

A Sneak Preview of 2016 Elections in San Diego

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Over the last few days of 2015 I’ll engage in speculation about what to expect for the coming year.

Today we’ll take a quick look at what San Diegans will be asked to vote on, a logical move since we’re headed into a presidential election year and a gaggle of ballot measures vying for voter approval in California. Later on in the year I’ll do in-depth profiles of candidates and ballot measures.

Tomorrow we’ll look at the legal system (including the race for City attorney) and regulatory actions likely to be a big deal in the coming year.   [Read more…]

The Race to Replace Marti Emerald

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One month ago City Councilwoman Marti Emerald made the surprising announcement via Facebook that she would not be running for re-election.

Emerald, who was considered a shoo-in for another term in District 9, endorsed her chief of staff Ricardo Flores as the ‘perfect candidate’ for 2016 at a press conference. A half dozen or so people think otherwise, as two additional candidates have already declared campaigns and numerous others have expressed an interest.

Today we’ll take an early look at how the race to replace her is shaping up in an overwhelmingly Democratic council district. I can just about guarantee this contest will be one of the more interesting and unusual in recent San Diego history. And remember, it’s early! The primary isn’t for another year.   [Read more…]

A Community Champion Enters D9 Council Race

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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.   [Read more…]

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