North County Coastal update
The North County Coastal region will be bidding farewell to some local elected leaders who have chosen to step aside rather than run for re-election. In all the cities where one or more incumbents have failed to file papers for re-election, non-incumbents folks have until August 15 to file and become a candidate instead of the normal cut-off which is today, August 10. So come on folks, don’t just criticize, get out there and get in the race! You have until Wednesday!!!
To all the incumbents, I say thank you for your service to our region and wish you well with your future endeavors and adventures..
In Del Mar, Carl Hilliard and Marc Filanc have opted out.
Solana Beach: Joe Kellejian (20 years in office) and Dave Roberts.
Oceanside has a firefight between Jerry Kern and Mayor Jim Wood, but otherwise it’s status quo.
Carlsbad: Ann Kulchin (20+ years in office).
And in Good old Encinitas: James Bond (20 years on the City Council) has decided to go fishing and golfing. Appointed incumbent Mark Muir is running for a City Council seat, as is elected incumbent Jerome Stocks (me).
Why would I do that? Here are some thoughts in case you were wondering…
I am here to serve Encinitas, and the concerns of our local area. We have a great town and it will only get better with the right vision for the future. And while I’m very proud that we completed our beautiful new library, started the improvements to Moonlight Beach, made investments in road and sidewalk improvements throughout our city and more, there is much yet to be done.
It is my desire to be re-elected in November in order to continue working for the citizens of Encinitas on important local issues like protecting private property rights and completing the Encinitas Community Park (AKA: Hall Property Park); as well as representing Encinitas on critical regional issues like capacity improvements to the coastal rail line and the I-5 widening project (at SANDAG) to improve the worsening freeway gridlock commuters endure every day. I believe my experience will help move Encinitas and our region forward over the next four years and am willing to serve if the voters so choose.
And I serve as a member of the Encinitas City Council with school-age children and a private sector job. Perspectives I feel are important for local government decision making.
Go Jerome! Thanks for stepping up for the rational citizens of Encinitas. Let’s not let the occupiers take our city…
Congrats to the “retiring” office-holders for their years of service. And, Jerome, I know with those children and your job, you as do other local elected officials sometimes struggle with the proper balance, perhaps even questioning whether you should continue to serve, when it may be sapping time from your business. Kudos to you for being someone I know has his priorities straight, while still finding the time and offering to serve.