Candidate for
Mayor; City of San Diego

San Diego is facing the biggest financial crisis in its history. The opportunities we once had are diminishing because of a $2 billion deficit and federal investigations into corruption and fraud at City Hall.

I enjoy solving tough problems and finding creative but practical solutions that really work and help people. At the County, I inherited a major financial crisis when I took office. Orange County had just declared bankruptcy and many of the experts were advising us to consider the same course.

But going bankrupt would have hurt tens of thousands of people who need county services and 2.8 million taxpayers who rely on County government. So, we rolled up our sleeves and went to work. We make tough decisions---and today our County is much stronger.

I helped fund three county firefighting helicopters before the election. I helped save 172,000 acres of open space and strengthen Clean Air Regulations. Our Sheriff's have up to date equipment. I pioneered numerous after-school programs, created San Pasqual Academy for foster kids and pushed to use 100 percent of the County's tobacco tax funds for health care. We hired hundreds of new deputy sheriffs and prosecutors.

Governing Magazine recently rated the County of San Diego among the best run in America.

I want to provide opportunities for all San Diegans---it is going to take strong leadership to turn City Hall around.