Candidate for
City Attorney; City of San Diego

PROFESSIONALISM - NOT POLITICS

RESTORE Trust in Government:

The City Attorney's role is to ensure that the City Charter is followed and protected. It is important that the City Attorney and her staff become the "people's lawyer" through more open government, fewer closed sessions, more noticing of items coming before both the City Council and its committees, and more comprehensive reporting on these items, their ramifications and history. Before Council makes a final decision on any matter, I will articulate a legal opinion based upon the law and not based upon the political will of the City Council. It is the City Attorney's obligation to uphold the City Charter as a personal covenant with the people of San Diego.

REVIVE our Neighborhoods:

I will build relationships and create partnerships with the County, the District Attorney, County Probation, Social Service Agencies and the Courts to expand Neighborhood Prosecution efforts throughout San Diego. I will place more emphasis on youth crimes as a gateway behavior to more serious crimes (alcohol, drugs, gangs, graffiti, truancy, etc.), in part by expanding the Youth Council. Through these partnerships, youth and volunteers will be trained to monitor stormwater run-off, illegal grading and encroachments, form graffiti patrols, and mentor others in their schools.

Inconsistencies in permitting, inspection and application of the Municipal Code have resulted in needless litigation being filed against the City. Citizens attempting to build or add on to their homes have become so frustrated that they've circumvented the requirements or sued. I will address these inconsistencies and make a recommendation to the Mayor, Council and City Manager on how to resolve the problems.

REAFFIRM the City Attorney's Role:

The City Attorney needs to be an independent, neutral legal advisor who renders fair and objective legal advice - NOT one who sets policy or offers legal opinions based upon the political will of the City Council. The City Attorney needs to defend the City and taxpayers against lawsuits, and prosecute violators of City ordinances. My only agenda as City Attorney is to uphold the City Charter and ensure your interests are protected.