Dr. John E.Warren, Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper
A number of vacancies are about to open in San Diego County politics. First the resignation of Board of Supervisor, Nathan Fletcher. This vacancy must be filled by a special election, regardless of the cost. We cannot have political interest other than that of the people who are empowered to vote, and make such life-impacting decisions for all of us. There can be no special appointment of any individual for any interim period of time other than a duly elected person to carry out the balance of Fletcher’s term.
Next, this special election is already triggering other electoral shifts. With Fourth City Council District representative Monica Montgomery Steppe expected to announce that she will seek to fill the vacancy created by Fletcher’s resignation from the Fourth Supervisorial District seat, there will be a vacancy created on the San Diego City Council. While these positions are nonpartisan, no one should assume that the San Diego County Democratic Club has any special role or ability under either the City of San Diego Charter or the San Diego County Charter, with each charter governing the operation of its respective body. Therefore, neither the County nor any other political body should be allowed to determine for us who will fill any vacancy. At best, they can only make recommendations and we as the community must not be persuaded by the early declarations of any group to fill vacancies.
Third, with State Senator Tony Atkins terming out in the 39th Senatorial District and Supervisor Fletcher no longer a contender to replace her, a decision has been made by State Assembly District Representative, Dr. Akila Weber, to run for the Senate seat to replace Atkins. Dr. Weber, who was elected in a special election to replace her mother, Dr. Shirley Weber, upon her appointment by the Governor to the position of Secretary of State. This shift means that the 79th Assembly District seat in the State legislature will be open as of the next election during which Assemblywoman Weber will be running to replace Senator Atkins.
All this movement can either create tremendous opportunity, a loss of opportunity or a major step backward for Black political advancement in San Diego County. The real question in all of this is what role will you, the potential voter, play? The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint in conjunction with Black Men & Women United will be open to a series of discussion groups to any who would like the opportunity to talk about these issues and the people who might present themselves to fill the expectant vacancies. If interested in such a discussion session, please contact the newspaper, either by email or telephone and leave your name and suggested dates you would be interested in such meetings. Collectively, we are interested in people who desire to serve rather than seeking the opportunity to be served. You may also send letters to the editor for publication of your views. All comments are welcomed.
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