The Morning Report
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Police officers, firefighters, and the League of Conservation Voters support Todd Gloria for policy reasons.
Mine are more personal.
I got to know Todd when a friend needed help on an immigration matter. I was referred by my congressional representative to her aide, Todd Gloria. He was compassionate, efficient and smart. At the time I thought, “This guy should run for office, not just be an aide.”
Later, on the board of the LGBT Center I watched Todd rise to become chairperson. He led us through tough issues involving hate, homeless youth, health care, and civil rights. His roots as a native San Diegan and his family ties in many ethnic communities were especially useful integrating our LGBT community with the larger community around us.
It turns out that Todd has been a community volunteer since his teen years. Before he was old enough for a driver’s license, Todd rode the bus to volunteer for charities and political campaigns. He relates to our district at a grassroots level like no one else.
After decades of community service it is no surprise that Todd — like both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton — is receiving support from large numbers of local donors. In a cheap shot, one of his opponents likes to say Todd gets more money from developers. That is probably true, because Todd leads in almost every category imaginable: the most doctors, teachers, nurses, homemakers, engineers, you name it. And lots of just plain folk like me — a consultant for public school teachers — and my partner— a respiratory therapist for Children’s Hospital.
But policy issues are just as important as a strong character. And Todd Gloria’s positions on big issues deserve some mention, as well.
The Police Officers Association backs Todd because he has a specific plan to restore community relations officers to our neighborhoods. He also wants the police force to put more resources where crime is greatest; unfortunately today that means District 3.
The Firefighters Association endorses Todd because he wants neighborhood fire stations upgraded with modern equipment. I live on the lip of a canyon, so Todd’s concern about fire safety really hits home with me.
Some people in the real estate industry don’t like Todd because of his strict record as a San Diego Housing Commissioner. But I care more about Todd’s endorsement from the League of Conservation Voters. As a Housing Commissioner, Todd was polite but forceful, suing and winning against bad developers who tried to abuse the law. He also opposed the massive 301 University project, backed affordable housing requirements, and a stronger condo conversion ordinance.
I plan to live in my home here in the 3rd District the rest of my life. My neighbors and I have received excellent service from council members Christine Kehoe and Toni Atkins. I’d like to see that kind of service continue and I believe Todd Gloria is best qualified to work hard and get things done for our community.