By Mandy Havlik
Friends, the Democratic majority on the County Board of Supervisors is at risk, and it could have a huge impact on the future of San Diego.
Terra Lawson-Remer is our County Supervisor and a Democrat who’s been making real progress—helping people experiencing homelessness, protecting our coastlines, tackling rising rents and housing costs, and expanding mental health and addiction services.
But now we’re facing a tough re-election against Republican Kevin Faulconer, the former Mayor of San Diego. (Yes, the same Kevin Faulconer responsible for the 101 Ash Street debacle that cost the city of San Diego $264 million for an unusable building full of asbestos, while profiting his campaign donors $15 million ?).
Faulconer’s campaign is being backed by Trump donors and developer special interests who want to roll back the progress Terra has made. During his time as Mayor, Faulconer was a disaster and allowed corporate developers to run the show—now he wants to bring those failed policies to the County.
They’re already spending over $1.5 million attacking Terra’s record, but the reality is that Terra has been a champion for our community:
- Protecting Our Environment: Terra led efforts to clean up our coastlines (declaring the Tijuana River sewage a Public Emergency and fighting for more funding to fix stormwater and the TJ sewage treatment plant), and passed groundbreaking policies at San Diego Community Power to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2035.
- Fighting Homelessness: She expanded shelter capacity and opened safe parking sites—all while providing rental assistance to seniors and low-income families.
- Promoting Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment: Terra launched 24/7 emergency mental health response teams, added hundreds of mental health and substance abuse treatment beds, and implemented Care Court to mandate that people in crisis get the help they need.
Faulconer’s team is spreading false claims about Terra’s record, but the facts are clear—she’s been delivering results. We can’t afford to go back to the days of Republican control on the Board, where special interests and inaction ruled.
This election really matters, so I wanted to share with all my friends my thoughts on what’s at stake this year, and why I’m supporting Terra for Supervisor. Let me know if you want to chat more about it!
The alternative is Kevin Faulconer, so naturally I’m voting Lawson-Rember. That said, it’s pretty rich to have Homelessness as one of the three major bullets to list to vote for her when she has not attended a SINGLE Homeless Task Force meeting despite being Vice Chair. Yeah, some staff members have attended, but when you’re Vice Chair… act like you at least care.
Fact Check: https://voiceofsandiego.org/2024/09/27/fact-check-did-lawson-remer-ghost-regional-homelessness-group/
I too support and voted for Ms. Lawson-Remer. While I know she erred when she decided against making Michael Vu our new CAO (joining Ms. Vargas in their insistence for a candidate, Black or Latino, as has been selected). This was a casual error compared to the enormous graft & errors of Faulconer,
both a poor to mediocre administrator and a sycophantic Trump Republican!
Using lines such as, ” the Democratic majority on the County Board of Supervisors is at risk”, and, “Terra Lawson-Remer is our County Supervisor and a Democrat “, is nauseating. What’s funny is, “During his time as Mayor, Faulconer was a disaster and allowed corporate developers to run the show—now he wants to bring those failed policies to the County.”. Uh, isn’t Toad doing the same?
I find neither candidate appealing or adequate while navigating the word salad spin.
So, Faulconer’s proximity to Trump doesn’t concern you, eh? Neither one is appealing but one is sucking up to the guy who still denies he lost in 2020. Wow, what a decision.
In Demland Cali, it would be minimal effect. Like voting for Trump here, futile and meaningless. I’m more concerned about policy and effects on the local level. Lawson-Remer seems to like to spend money studying issues, and the declarations in the opinion seem embellished. Faulconer’s just another seat jumper. Again, neither candidate appealing or adequate.
There are California House seats on the line and could determine the outcome of who controls the House of Reps. Don’t be over-cocky with your pronouncements of “Demland Cali.”
Nice piece from Marti Emerald on Faulconer at TOSD. Which makes him the more inept choice for local policy, but when this opinion throws out Lawson-Remer , “declaring the Tijuana River sewage a Public Emergency”, it’s like get in line, it’s been a long unresolved problem. She asked impacted residents to sign a petition to demand help from the EPA a few days ago . Big whoop. I just think Scott Peters and Alex Padilla have been more instrumental in improvements going on there and Lawson-Remer is more lipservice IMO.
Thanks for the heads up, will probably repost it.
This is a tough one for me. Falconer’s supposed ties to Trump is laughable. His only interest there is for sake of fundraising behind the scenes. It certainly doesn’t help him publicly with most voters.
I will say I appreciate Remer’s attention to trying to limit the corporate take over of rental housing.
County sups all voted to explore possible legal action against corporations allegedly responsible for the border pollution crisis. Talk about time and money. Seems like they think these things up during lunch.
Yes neither county supervisor candidate is any good neither Faulconer nor Lawson reemer have proven any good on homeless poly or any other issue only MANDY H herself really cares Mandy cares
If you think San Diego was more livable from 2021-2024, vote Lawson-Remer.
If you think San Diego was more livable from 2014-2020, vote Faulconer.
Pretty straightforward given they both held office in the same region at non-overlapping times.
Of course, one was mayor of a major city and the other was 1 out of 5 county supes. One cannot compare their records across the board. Faulconer had a lot more responsibility than one county supe and was responsible for more damage than one supe could cause. Also, Faulconer has kissed Trump’s ass, ran against Newsom in the stupid recall election (took 3rd) whereas Lawson-Remer has been a good Democratic pol who believes in democracy – and the Constitution and Bill of Rights.