In 11 days, voters across San Diego’s northwestern neighborhoods will select their next representative on the City Council — either incumbent District 1 Councilwoman Sherri Lightner or retired businessman Ray Ellis.
We’ve written extensively about the two candidates, some of the biggest issues in the council district, campaign fundraising, a few campaign trail blunders and why this election matters citywide.
But if you’re looking for a quick overview, check out the graphic below (click to enlarge). It summarizes the candidates’ positions on 18 issues. For links to more information on some of the categories, see the bullet points after the graphic.
• Check out the profiles we wrote about Lightner and Ellis before the June primary for background about their public service record, top three priorities and basic stump speeches.
• Proposition B. Both candidates say they’ll implement the pension initiative that passed in June. Here’s our latest Reader’s Guide to Prop. B.
• Proposition D. The candidates’ positions on a sales tax initiative, which voters roundly rejected in November 2010, is one of the more unusual differences in the election. Lightner, a Democrat, was crucial in putting the initiative before voters but now says she voted against it at the polls. Ellis, a Republican, supported the initiative.
• Plaza de Panama. Lightner was the only council member to oppose Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs’ proposal to remodel Balboa Park. She called it expensive, intrusive and an excessive risk to taxpayer funds. Ellis supports the project.
• One Paseo. There’s a big development battle in Carmel Valley. Kilroy Realty wants to build a “main street” with shops, apartments and public space in the middle of the neighborhood. Here’s a quick overview.
• Chargers Stadium. Here’s our most recent explainer on the football team’s search for a new stadium and some of the proposals under review.
• Expanding Services. City officials have projected budget surpluses in the future. Public safety authorities have cited numerous reasons for additional funding. But San Diego’s roads are also expected to worsen under current funding plans.
• City Planning. The city’s planning department was folded into the city’s development services department in an earlier round of budget cuts.
• Regents Road Bridge. University City’s blueprint for development includes a bridge over Rose Canyon. Environmentalists oppose the bridge while some residents say it would help ease traffic congestion in the area. Here’s an overview of the debate.
• Outsourcing/Competitive Bidding for City Services. A bidding process called managed competition pits city workers against private companies to provide public services. The city has completed the process for five services. City workers have won the bid in each case.
• Convention Center Expansion. Here’s our latest take on the issue, including that both candidates would seek a public vote if courts fail to uphold the current plan.
• Mayor’s Race. You can search our coverage of the election here and read why Ellis says he won’t endorse fellow Republican Carl DeMaio here.
Liam Dillon contributed to this story.
Keegan Kyle is a news reporter for Voice of San Diego. He writes about the District 1 City Council election, local government and creates infographics. What should he write about next?
Please contact him directly at keegan.kyle@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.550.5668. You can also find him on Twitter (@keegankyle) and Facebook.
Disclosure: Voice of San Diego members and supporters may be mentioned or have a stake in the stories we cover. For a complete list of our contributors, click here.
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