Over and over, District 2 residents have different names for the same problem: the fiscal morass, financial crisis, financial fiasco, fiscal integrity, budget deficit. Everyone realizes that getting our fiscal house in order is the #1 priority. It’s also a prerequisite to addressing our other needs.
My first priority will be to follow the money. I have noted that City Council offices in the past have not hired financial analysts to review budgets or other financial arrangements. I plan to have that expertise in my office. The City’s finances are not rocket science. Diligence and proper expertise should be applied to get to the reality of City finances; we need to start talking about numbers instead of who’s to blame. There are plenty of outside investigations to get to the bottom of the mistakes of the past. The job of the Council is to see that the future financial reporting and funds control is complete and transparent so we can restore our credibility – and our credit rating.
I do not support one more dime in increased fees or taxes until the City gets it’s bookkeeping and reporting act together. Transfers between various funds and departments and other forms of “creative budgeting” must be brought under control. It’s a moot point to talk about tax increases or additional financial resources until the financial mess is cleaned up – because voters would never support them. I wouldn't support them.
When things are finally worked out and explained, I believe San Diego voters will support additional funds – but only when it’s clear what they are for, and when there are controls in place to ensure they are properly spent.
But first we have to restore integrity to the existing system, understand all our obligations, and then start prioritizing. Only then can we understand what additional revenues or cuts are needed – and why.
Whether it’s emergency services from the lifeguards, fire or police, or the hours that parks and libraries are open, City services have been strained while growth has continued.
The next issue named by residents by far is the infrastructure and maintenance crisis, including traffic and poor transportation, as well as concern for diminished public safety services (increasing response times, alcohol-related violence and property damage, street repair, infrastructure planning, saving green space, secure water system, recycling/waste reduction, deferred maintenance).
Redevelopment is also a major concern – both impacts to current businesses, how tax increment is used, whether historic resources are being properly dealt with, and whether or not future developments are really “smart growth.”
My priority will be to work with each of the planning groups, BIDs (Business Improvement Districts), town councils, and all interested groups to identify and prioritize each community’s infrastructure needs.
Right now, the City’s Capital Improvements Program is a black box. That box needs to be opened to the public so that voters will support the financial resources required to fund the improvements they agree upon in their area. I will make it a priority to see that projects are paying their fair share and impacts are minimized or mitigated – in short – to ensure that smart growth really is smart, and not just adding impacts that reduce quality of life.
While serving on the Planning Commission, I have opposed several abuses and manipulations of the historic review process, and assaults on community character. I have encouraged the Commission to support increased undergrounding of utilities on projects – instead of always granting waivers in every case where the project requests one.
Concerning redevelopment projects that have come before the Planning Commission, I’ve voted against some and for some. I review the matters on the merits and required findings, and have improved or supported projects that are well designed.
I’m against the taking of one business in order to replace it with another. I voted against the taking of Mr. Mesdaq’s cigar and coffee house downtown, since I felt his business could have been incorporated into the plan – rather than forcing him out.
But it is not the job of a councilperson to be involved in the promotion of any development projects, or to take any position in advance of the hearing where the matter will be heard, deliberated and voted upon. Council people are decision makers that should be checking to see if a development or redevelopment project is adhering to the applicable plans, meets the legal findings, and that all parties are being treated fairly by having their concerns addressed.
I will be a champion for conservation and efficiency. Whether it’s energy, water, trash, recycling or maintenance, investments in conservation and efficiency make sense.
Efficiency begins with a responsive attitude to all inquiries. At every level, investing time and resources in conservation and efficiency demonstrate a positive pay back. All Departments and City facilities should make efficiency investments, but especially law enforcement, water, sewer, stormwater, and energy planning programs. I will propose that all City Departments report on conservation and efficiency measures they can implement.
A common theme in many written comments was concern for the “corrupt city government.” Top issues quoted by district residents include:
- Credibility
- Ineptness
- Problems telling the truth, honesty and transparency
- Retirement abuse
- Stop wasting money supporting multi-millionaires while nickel-and-diming everyone else
- Giving away the public’s land to builders and not getting fair market value
- Wondering who my council member represents
- Getting and taking poor advice
- Attempts to close off public debate, closed door meetings.
If elected to the City Council, here is what you can count on from me:
I will do the public’s business in public. I will only participate in closed sessions where Counsel can identify what’s confidential, such that a closed-door meeting is required.
- I will tell the truth, and will instruct my staff to do the same. My office will answer all reasonable questions from the public (in writing, if requested). I will urge the Mayor and all other office to adopt this standard.
- One of the biggest problems at City Hall has been a culture of secrecy, where partial truths, misleading answers, omissions, non-answers – and sometimes outright lies – have muddied matters. Staff should always answer questions truthfully. If they don't know, they should say so, instead of making things up.
I will explain why I do what I do. I will listen to all public testimony and review all materials. I will ask the questions required to determine that proposals are fair, and that legitimate issues are dealt with in a timely fashion. And I will keep asking until I get a straight answer.
I will not support giveaways of public land.
I will hold people accountable.
I will respond to queries in a timely manner.
I will consider the costs and sources of funding for all proposals.
I will treat all parties with courtesy and respect. I will keep my sense of humor and apply it as when helpful.
