I'm greatly encouraged with the election of Jerry Sanders as the new mayor of the City of San Diego. I'm confident his honesty, compassion, understanding of city finances, business principles, crisis management, and his ability to turn around troubled organizations will bring new and positive direction to City Hall.
Among the first things I hope to establish with Mayor-elect Sanders is an improved relationship between the City and County of San Diego. For too long, it seems the mayor who has occupied the 11th floor at 202 C. Street has sometimes worked at cross purposes with the County. From discussions I've had with Jerry over the past few months, I look for new and/or strengthened areas of cooperation with the City of San Diego as we serve the entire County. They include disaster preparedness, public safety, transportation, economic development, and input on the location of a new regional airport.
As Chairman of the Board of Supervisors next year, I'm looking forward to working closely with Mayor-elect Sanders on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the regional planning and funding authority for transportation issues in our county.
We have work to do in improving the region's business climate. Like it or not, the financial condition of the City of San Diego impacts decisions of business leaders who are considering either relocating to San Diego County or pulling up stakes and leaving. Mayor-elect Sanders and I share a common desire to make the entire County business friendly.
As Chief of Police, Jerry Sanders was a tough cop. He was called upon to make hard decisions and not yield to political pressure or intimidation. I believe that same resolve will show itself in resolving labor disputes or when special interests come knocking on his door for favors or preferential treatment.
The last mayor of San Diego said, "A good leader needs to know when it is time to move on." As a former Marine, I have never heard of a leader in combat, business or in government who led by quitting.
Jerry Sanders wanted a job few people had the courage or desire to go after. He now has it. In doing so, he also has my unqualified support.
Among the first things I hope to establish with Mayor-elect Sanders is an improved relationship between the City and County of San Diego. For too long, it seems the mayor who has occupied the 11th floor at 202 C. Street has sometimes worked at cross purposes with the County. From discussions I've had with Jerry over the past few months, I look for new and/or strengthened areas of cooperation with the City of San Diego as we serve the entire County. They include disaster preparedness, public safety, transportation, economic development, and input on the location of a new regional airport.
As Chairman of the Board of Supervisors next year, I'm looking forward to working closely with Mayor-elect Sanders on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the regional planning and funding authority for transportation issues in our county.
We have work to do in improving the region's business climate. Like it or not, the financial condition of the City of San Diego impacts decisions of business leaders who are considering either relocating to San Diego County or pulling up stakes and leaving. Mayor-elect Sanders and I share a common desire to make the entire County business friendly.
As Chief of Police, Jerry Sanders was a tough cop. He was called upon to make hard decisions and not yield to political pressure or intimidation. I believe that same resolve will show itself in resolving labor disputes or when special interests come knocking on his door for favors or preferential treatment.
The last mayor of San Diego said, "A good leader needs to know when it is time to move on." As a former Marine, I have never heard of a leader in combat, business or in government who led by quitting.
Jerry Sanders wanted a job few people had the courage or desire to go after. He now has it. In doing so, he also has my unqualified support.