An email newsletter to constituents and community leaders in the County of San Diego’s vacant Fourth District Supervisorial area last Thursday makes no mention of the most important single news item — by far — to District residents.
The need for an electronic communication going out, even without the ability to mention the name of a Supervisor, may be partly the result of the May 2 Board of Supervisors meeting during which County Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer declared the office staff still working and providing services to constituents. A newsletter certainly shows that to be the case, at least in some respects.
During the same Supervisors meeting, when discussion ensued about how to fill the vacant seat resulting from Nathan Fletcher’s announced resignation, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer pressed her concern about residents of the District potentially not being focused on an off-year special election, while proposing to increase funding for outreach to low-information voters should an election be held.
Subsequently, last Tuesday, May 23, the Board of Supervisors did adopt a resolution to fill the former Fletcher seat by special election, with the primary slated for August 15, 2023 and a possible runoff general election on November 7, 2023 (more details).
The District 4 newsletter was emailed out two days later, May 25. A perfectly opportune time to start getting the word out, announcing to District residents the pertinent information, including that a special election would he held, the timing of it, and how interested individuals could seek the seat. (We do want people to run, right?)
As shown in the screenshots below, the special election wasn’t even mentioned in passing.
Yes, the Holocaust Exhibit in Rancho San Diego is newsworthy. The communication does note one other Supervisors’ vote on the Workplace Justice Fund. Fine.
Staffers being “Out in the District,” well, ok.
“Our office is still here for YOU!” Excellent, of course.
Yet, the most significant matter to District residents — how the County is moving ahead on providing them representation? Whatever.
A proud moment in communications.
