A story about my decision to run for mayor described me as a family man who is socially moderate and mindful of the city’s bottom line.
All of that is true, but I don’t put much stock in labels. What matters most to me is San Diego.I may not be the loudest guy in the room, but I get things done for the city I love because I’ll work with anyone who has a good idea to move San Diego forward.
When it was clear Mayor Bob Filner had to go, I worked with Todd Gloria, who is now our interim mayor, and City Attorney Jan Goldsmith to secure the mayor’s resignation while protecting San Diego taxpayers.
Last year I worked with former Mayor Jerry Sanders and former Councilman Carl DeMaio to draft and pass comprehensive pension reform, saving taxpayers $1 billion over the next 30 years.
I built consensus for a retiree health care reform package that saves taxpayers $800 million.
I led the charge to protect Mission Bay, spearheading a citywide environmental initiative that ensures one of San Diego’s crown jewels is protected for generations.
I voted against pay raises for City Council members and crafted budget deals during lean times that helped protect our parks, libraries and other neighborhood services.
I fought a city-wide sales tax hike that voters wisely rejected because it would have hit working families the hardest. When it comes to ballot measures I’ve supported or campaigned against, I’ve always been with the majority of San Diego voters on Election Day.
I brought business leaders and homeless advocates together and built support from both groups for a permanent center that assists the neediest among us, including military veterans.
In all these efforts I was a leader from the beginning – not late when it may have been the safer option. I led early because it was the right thing to do for San Diego.
I’m proud of my record but there’s more to do, which is why I’m running for mayor. Our city needs a steady hand at the wheel, someone who can restore integrity to City Hall, someone who brings people together and finds common ground.
My administration will move San Diego forward. We will deliver results for San Ysidro and San Pasqual and every community in between.
In our schools, we will push for smaller class sizes, exceptional teachers and cutting-edge technology for every student.
In our neighborhoods, we will repair our broken roads and sidewalks, create safer bike routes, reduce sewer line breaks and address our growing water needs. We also will ensure that our police and fire departments have the resources they need to do their jobs.
I also plan to continue to help small businesses thrive to keep good-paying jobs in San Diego and grow our economy.
I’ve made a lot of promises to you here. But one thing I promise not to do is change who I am. I want to lead this city as mayor, but I will not sacrifice my integrity in the process. So, you know what you are getting with me: a proud Aztec alum who loves San Diego, a moderate who will work hard every day to do the right thing and a mayor who will fight for working families and protect taxpayers.
We will have an honest discussion about San Diego’s future. You may not agree with me on every issue, but I’m looking forward to bringing my vision for San Diego to every community, so we can get our fine city working again.
It’s time to turn the page, San Diego. Our best days are ahead.
Faulconer is a San Diego city councilman and candidate for mayor.
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