(SAN DIEGO, CA.) – A District 2 City Council candidate forum was held May 14 at Paradise Point Resort & Spa, bringing together seven candidates ahead of the June 2 election.
The forum was hosted by the Ocean Beach Community Foundation, Pacific Beach Town Council, and Mission Beach Town Council. Organizers said the event was intended to give residents a chance to hear directly from candidates and learn more about their goals for the district. Residents were also able to submit questions through moderators during the event.
District 2 includes neighborhoods such as Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Point Loma.
Source: OpGov.News
Seven candidates participated: Mandy Havlik, Jacob Mitchell, Paul Suppa, Nicole Crosby, Josh Coyne, Mike Rickey, and Richard Bailey. Each gave an opening introduction outlining their background and campaign priorities.
Mandy Havlik said she has spent years working in community planning and local advocacy. She spoke about her work on issues including traffic safety, street improvements and public spaces, saying her campaign is built on years of involvement in local neighborhoods.
Mandy Havlik stated, “I’ve been showing up for my neighborhood, not just at meetings, at local events, during difficult times, when the community needed someone to show up.”
Jacob Mitchell introduced himself as a fourth-generation San Diegan and chemist. He said his campaign focuses on accountability, city spending and using a systems-based approach to solve problems.
“I am not a politician, I’m a chemist. So I spent my career understanding how things work and trying to manipulate a system to solve a problem.”
Paul Suppa focused on rising utility costs, city fees and affordability concerns. He said many residents are feeling financial pressure and questioned city decisions related to spending and services.
“Our families are looking at their bills, wondering if they can afford it. It feels as if individuals are under siege.”
Nicole Crosby introduced herself as a San Diego native and Deputy City Attorney. She spoke about her work prosecuting crimes and her involvement in programs focused on homelessness, public safety and neighborhood issues. Crosby also discussed her leadership experience in local community organizations in Clairemont.
“As a long-time prosecutor, evidence-based practices are very important.”
Josh Coyne spoke about his work as a crisis counselor and his experience working on homelessness efforts in San Diego. He said the city faces major challenges that will require difficult decisions and long-term solutions.
“This is a chapter of our city's history where we need leadership that is familiar, but also not afraid to take bold decisions together.”
Mike Rickey described himself as a longtime San Diego resident who decided to run because of concerns about city spending and local issues. He said the city government should take a more practical approach to budgeting.
“I’m a normal citizen. I’ve had to balance my budget. If I could afford something, I could buy it.”
Richard Bailey introduced himself as a San Diego native, former Coronado mayor and business owner. He spoke about his background in finance, economics and local government, saying those experiences have shaped his approach to city leadership and policy decisions.
“The city does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending management problem.”
Source: OpGov.News
Following introductions, candidates answered questions on topics including housing, public safety, infrastructure and city services.
OpGov.News will publish a second article covering the policy questions and responses from each candidate.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at jenny.r@lead4earth.org.
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