At Judge Jan Goldsmith’s press conference yesterday, staffers were handing out booklets full of information about the candidate for city attorney’s background and qualifications.
Part of that booklet was a list of 10 commitments Goldsmith said he’s making to the people of San Diego.
The list is essentially a veiled critique of Mike Aguirre’s term in office and spells out, in detail, Goldsmith’s stated plan to suck any politics out of the City Attorney’s Office, something he spoke about in detail at the press conference.
That’s notwithstanding Goldsmith’s endorsement by the local Republican Party and his endorsement by Dumander (District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff Bill Kolender), both heavy-hitting local Republicans. Goldsmith is also a former Poway mayor and state legislator.
Here’s a couple of examples of the commitments. No. 3:
I will ensure that the city is provided independent legal advice in a timely manner and will work with city offices to ensure they understand and carry out their duties in conformance with the law. My office will provide independent legal advice, meaning the advice is based upon the law and not political or personal considerations.
And No. 5:
The City Attorney’s office will no longer pursue frivolous lawsuits. The cost-benefit to taxpayers of each civil lawsuit will be weighed. My office will focus on winning lawsuits not scoring political points.