Statement from Jan Goldsmith on Mayor’s Allegation

Guest ColumnGuest Column 5 Comments

From San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith… In a KUSI interview yesterday morning, Mayor Bob Filner crossed the line, alleging that members of the City Council and I had been “bought off” by hoteliers in the TMD matter. This is a very serious allegation of criminal conduct, and it is baseless and defamatory. KUSI also carried a segment at 6 …

Thank You Scott Sherman, for Opposing “Double Dipping” by ex-City Politicians

Carl DeMaioCarl DeMaio 1 Comment

Councilman Sherman Asks for Audit Committee Review of “Double Dipping” Proposal Last week, I penned an editorial blasting a proposal to allow ex-City politicians to “Double Dip” by leaving office, starting to draw a full pension, and then returning to work at the City in a staff position with a full salary. Councilman Scott Sherman is concerned about the proposal, …

Fred Maas’ wiki bio updated

Greg LarkinGreg Larkin 2 Comments

In the aftermath of the weekend UT San Diego story on the “Carl DeMaio research project,” the head of the effort’s Wikipedia page has been updated. I was prompted today to take a look at the contents of Fred Maas’ wiki bio, or see if one existed, after Twitter remarks that someone needed to update the page. It appears the …

Local discussion on the “Investigate DeMaio” story

Greg LarkinGreg Larkin

U-T San Diego reporter Craig Gustafson does a superb job detailing the cast of now outed (there’s some irony in that word) characters who tried to bring down Carl DeMaio last year, or at least attempted to keep him out of the mayoral runoff election. The story details the effort to research DeMaio’s background, the resulting “dossier” produced, and the …

In ‘The Divided Era,’ The U.S. Becomes England

Guest ColumnGuest Column Leave a Comment

Guest Commentary by Tom Del Beccaro Government matters incomprehensively more today than our Founders could have ever imagined. Now central to our lives, federal, state and local governments account for 33% of our yearly spending – where once Thomas Jefferson complained of spending that accounted for less than 2% of our economy. In greatly expanding the size and scope of government, we divide …

This Weekend GOTV Effort for Sandy Spackman in 4th Council District

Thor's AssistantPress Releases / Media Advisories 9 Comments

From the local GOP… Did you know there’s a special election THIS COMING TUESDAY, March 26!? Yup, it’s the race to replace San Diego, District 4 Councilman Tony Young who resigned earlier to become CEO of the local Red Cross chapter. This is an opportunity since… …there are NINE candidates (PDF) and ONLY ONE Republican, Sandy Spackman (pictured right) – a …

Suggestion For Rand Paul: Retire words Like ‘Tolerance”

Bob SiegelBob Siegel 9 Comments

Originally published by Communities@Washington Times. SAN DIEGO, March 15, 2013 ― On a roll from his famous filibuster that protested drone strikes on U.S. citizens without a trial, Rand Paul seems to be taking advantage of a growing popularity by positioning himself for a future presidential bid that could distinguish himself from most Republicans. “I believe a Republican Party that is …

Saturday Event: The Future of Reform in San Diego

Carl DeMaioCarl DeMaio 3 Comments

“How can we continue to push for reform at City Hall?” That’s a question repeatedly being asked these days. It’s time to get past the disappointment of November’s election losses — and get back in the game. On Saturday, you’re invited to come and find out how we can regroup and push for continued reform. Reform San Diego is a …

Return of the Car Tax and Why Legislators Should Say No

Diane HarkeyBoard of Equalization Member Diane Harkey Leave a Comment

This op-ed originally appeared on BudgetWatchdogs.org The “Car Tax” is back but may be on life support. Assembly Bill 8, a “gut and amend” bill that failed during the final hours of last year’s session, would increase or extend $2.3 billion of fees on car owners until 2024 – an eight year extension from the original expiration date of 2016. …

Filner and Marijuana

B-DaddyB-Daddy 1 Comment

I should have known.  First, let me say that I am in favor of all forms of legalizing marijuana, so of course, I am not opposed to medical marijuana.  I followed the link on this tweet from Craig Gustafson to read about Bob Filner’s medical marijuana proposal: Story on @bobfilnermayor ‘s med pot ordinance now with docs — executive summary …

Deeply flawed initiative up for a Special Election in Encinitas

Jerome StocksJerome Stocks 7 Comments

Some residents of Encinitas, working with a Carlsbad based activist/NIMBY group, have used the initiative process to force the City of Encinitas to spend at least $350,000 on a special election to be held in June of 2013. Nice. This ill-conceived measure: A) Won’t correct or address state mandated forced planning for additional housing units, B) Will actually replace steep-slope …

A CPAC Wish List: Who Will Emerge To Take On Obama?

Bob SiegelBob Siegel Leave a Comment

Originally published by Communities @ Washington Times SAN DIEGO, March 9, 2013 ― The annual rally known as CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) begins next week, and the stakes have never been higher. Conservative politicians and activists will give inspirational speeches in the hopes that their vision might help elevate them as favored contenders to save the Republican Party or …