The reaction from the Wall Street Journal’s editorial on City Attorney Mike Aguirre continues:
Dear Editor,
The editorial touting the incumbent San Diego City Attorney as a “rare politician looking out for taxpayers” (published on September 6) overlooks the fact that Mr. Aguirre has strayed away from his role as legal counsel for the Mayor and City Council on numerous occasions. The City Attorney’s role is to provide legal advice to the City, plain and simple. Mr. Aguirre has instead chosen to grandstand on every political issue imaginable. His often quixotic and unauthorized litigation has wasted taxpayer dollars and the resources of the City Attorney’s office. Protecting the taxpayers is the last item on his agenda.
The Mayor and City Council need a City Attorney who will provide guidance and counsel within the parameters of the law, rather than someone who refuses to provide critical support during a crisis (such as the 2007 wildfires), label citizens and City officials as “corrupt” or use the power of his title to promote his own political agenda. Excessive litigation and blatant misuse of authority has resulted in a situation where Mr. Aguirre is unable to provide the city with what it needs — a lawyer.
Sincerely,
Phil Blair
Chairman of the Board
San Diego Regional Chamber of CommerceJohn O’Neill
Chairman of the Board
San Diego County Taxpayers Association