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Today’s Election Could Have Big Impacts on Local Businesses

By Thomas C. Shepard, President, Tom Shepard & Associates, Inc.

While national attention is focused on presidential battleground states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Colorado, San Diego voters are today facing a daunting slate of candidates and ballot measures that could have lasting impacts on the state and region. Whatever your views on these important races, make sure your vote is counted.

Although the effects of high voter turnout generated by the presidential campaign aren’t yet clear in San Diego, one local Congressional race could attract the national spotlight, as incumbent Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad) battles Democrat Nick Liebham in the 50th Congressional District, once considered safe for the Republican incumbent, but now targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The Chamber has worked constructively in the past with Congressman Bilbray.

One of the most hotly contested state legislative races in California pits Democrat Marty Block against Republican John McCann in the 78th Assembly District. Democrats have targeted the race as a potential key to reaching the two-thirds majority they need to adopt state spending and taxation plans without Republican support. Domination of the state legislature by one political party could result in higher taxes, new employer mandates and additional regulations negatively impacting local businesses.

Other high-profile candidate campaigns include the race for San Diego City Attorney between incumbent Mike Aguirre and his challenger, Superior Court Judge Jan Goldsmith. Viewed as a crusading populist by his supporters, Aguirre has been criticized by others as an obstacle to progress and reform at City Hall.  The Chamber endorsed Judge Jan Goldsmith in the race for City Attorney.

Also on today’s ballot in the City of San Diego are three city council seats: District 1 in the North City, District 3 in the Mid City, and in District 7 on the City’s eastern edge. At stake in the three races is the balance of power on the San Diego City Council between those supported by Mayor Sanders (Phil Thalheimer, Todd Gloria and April Boling) and those supported by Councilwoman Donna Frye (Sherri Lightner, Stephen Whitburn and Marti Emerald). The Chamber endorsed Mayor Sanders for re-election last spring and continues to support his efforts to reform city government and invest in maintenance and improvement of city infrastructure.

The San Diego Unified School District also features competitive races in District A, where incumbent Mitz Lee faces teachers’ union candidate John Lee Evans, and in District E, where teachers’ union candidate Sheila Evans is challenged by Xeng Yang. The fate of newly hired Superintendent Terry Grier could hang in the balance if these two teachers’ union candidates join a third, Richard Barrera (who is running unopposed in District D). In the past, the Chamber has supported candidates for school board who embrace accountability and are dedicated to closing the achievement gap in our local schools.

In addition to high-profile state ballot measures ranging from a ban on gay marriage to humane treatment of farm animals, local voters will also decide the fate of a parcel tax to fund a county-wide fire fighting agency (Proposition A, supported by the Chamber), private development of the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal on the tidelands (Proposition B, opposed by the Chamber), and setting aside revenues from Mission Bay Park lessees to fund park maintenance and improvements (Proposition C, supported by the Chamber).  Also on the ballot is Proposition D, making permanent the current trial ban on alcohol at City beaches.

For more information on the Chamber’s election recommendations and voting resources, visit www.sdchamber.org.