The San Diego City Council yesterday adopted a resolution in opposition to Governor Jerry Brown’s plan to get rid of local redevelopment agencies.
A real shocker of a news story there, that San Diego, or any city would be opposed to such a move by the State. The only surprise is that Councilmember Sherri Lightner opposed the resolution, apparently needing more information. Okay, but huh?
So, that aside, another non-shocker is Councilmember Kevin Faulconer driving the train on the resolution of opposition. Grab the easy button. A “gimme” effort. A no brainer. More of a willingness to latch onto something non-controversial — AKA a big “duh” — and run with it, instead of leading the charge on an effort that makes for a tough, uphill battle.
In a potential mayoral showdown, Faulconer needs to show a front-seat willingness to be a true policy leader on some difficult issues that address San Diego’s ongoing budget woes, even if controversial.
That doesn’t mean opposing a sales tax increase for the apparent purpose of ensuring Carl DeMaio wouldn’t be the only colleague running for mayor to be against the measure. At the end of the day, the sales tax may have been destined to fail, yet throughout the campaign Faulconer seemed to be at a loss for words about his proposed budget alternatives to a tax increase. Alternatively, DeMaio had a plan ready to roll out the day the campaign ended.
Kevin, show us the way. Lead, don’t follow.