Editorial: OB Rag Endorses Bob Filner for Mayor of San Diego

The OB Rag endorses Congressman Bob Filner for Mayor of San Diego.

We do not endorse Bob Filner because of this or that of his policies, or because of this or that of the policies of his opponents.

We endorse Bob Filner because of his character, the content of  his character.

We endorse Bob Filner because his character has been honed by his work and struggle on behalf of the common person in San Diego over the last four decades.

This was demonstrated by his work, first, on the San Diego School Board, and then by his work on the San Diego City Council.  While in these seats of government, Filner spoke truth to power and he – at times – was a lone voice that stood up against San Diego’s Republican establishment.

Then in Congress, Bob Filner continued his work on behalf of the people of San Diego and Imperial Counties. While in Washington DC Filner displayed that he was one of the most dedicated and committed Representatives for the common people.  He clearly showed his commitment to the Mexican-American communities of California’s most southern counties while in Congress.  Plus he initiated many worthwhile programs for veterans, giving them a friend in Congress while those who sent them off to war, ignored them.

In a Bob Filner mayoral administration in San Diego, we would expect to see a much more transparent model of governance, as he would open up channels and connections to his office never before seen in this City by the Bay. His championing of the civil rights of African-Americans in his early days and his connections to Mexican-Americans in his later days would result in the most socially and politically conscious administration ever to be seen in San Diego.

Filner’s support for women’s health, his understanding of the value of the common laboring person, his knowledge of the educational system, and in how government needs to be pushed and pressured in order for it to serve the folks on the lower rungs of the economy would usher in an administration that would be a first of its kind in the history of City government in San Diego.  City government here has often kowtowed to the large financial interests and Filner is very able to deal with those interests  at this level of government.  He alone among the candidates has shown compassion for the homeless and the problem of homelessness.

Filner would most assuredly be developing the economy of the area, focusing on jobs and housing.  While in Congress, Filner fought against the usurpation of people’s homes by banks, offering to get arrested himself in preventing foreclosures that would have turned people into the streets.

By his character, we can see a Filner administration standing up and opposing more corporate give-aways, and the blocking of public land transfers to the private sector.

Bob Filner understands the role of government. Especially the role of government in hard economic times. Filner will continue to challenge the establishment, and will, in the end, reflect the changing demographics to our vibrant City.

He is the best there is on the ballot this June 5th.  We are honored to endorse Bob Filner for Mayor of San Diego.