San Diego’s “Influentials” for 2014

It’s a tough task to put together an adequate, objective or even fair list of those throughout the region having the most influence in the last year. Influence on what, exactly, and in what way? Heck, it’s even difficult to get people to agree on the definition of “influence.”

Kudos to the others that have created such year-end rankings. You may have seen Voice of San Diego’s “2014 Voice of the Year” a couple of weeks ago, and the Part 2 follow up a few days later. Or, if conservative politics is your bag for some odd reason, maybe you read Jon Fleischman’s “Top 25 Conservative Voices in California” at Breitbart California.

Several deserving “voices” and “influencers” are noted on those lists, including — we just have to add — a nice handful of Rostra bloggers and contributors.

During the holidays we reached out to about 50 local “center-right” individuals involved in politics and government, including a few of our own writers, to ask for the names they’d select as the most influential in the San Diego region for 2014. We asked them to list five to ten folks they saw as influential locally last year, in politics, government, media, or otherwise. “For better or worse, philosophically,” we indicated, “they don’t have to be conservative, that’s your call.”

We also asked that they briefly tell us why their selections fit their chosen definition of influential, for attribution or not.

This is, of course, a conservative leaning political blog, in case you somehow hadn’t noticed, so it should come as no surprise that our resulting list would lean just a bit in the same direction, or that some would provide a list of those they thought of as most influential on these very pages. So, who knows, maybe next year we’ll also ask for input from those who don’t prefer Rostra‘s politics — you know, just to broaden the diversity of the final list.

It’s also not striking that those with influence may see the “influential” in others, while not necessarily seeing it in themselves. Since we asked for input from those that are themselves influential in the political arena, several who submitted names also ended up being chosen by their peers. For instance, Rostrafarian Brian Brady, who took the time to praise local officials he found deserving for their efforts last year, was himself mentioned by several others. We certainly weren’t in need of anyone’s “self-nomination.”

It’s equally important to note that this list of the “Top Influentials” for 2014 is made up of the names we received from dozens of area activists and political leaders, not simply the opinion of the Rostra administrators. That’s in keeping with the theme of this site — no set Rostra opinion on any matter, but instead, all of your opinions.

The result is a broad smattering of the well-known and not so well-known, both established political leaders and up-and-comers with potentially bright futures, mixed with a few names not yet widely known outside of Rostra itself.

The Top Five “Influentials,” each one mentioned by several respondents:

1) Mayor Kevin Faulconer

As one observer put it, “Duh! He won a tough election to replace the disgraced former mayor and San Diego has clearly turned a page under Kevin Faulconer’s steady, positive and fair-minded leadership.” Consultant Jason Roe said that the new mayor “showed what real bipartisanship is by finding ways to work with the Democrat City Council.”

“Faulconer stabilized the City of San Diego’s roiling politics,” said PR consultant Gayle Lynn Falkenthal.

Another City Hall watcher added, “Faulconer proved that Republicans can win and lead in big cities — and in California. He passed a balanced, reform-based budget that invests in neighborhood improvements with no budget gimmicks … and is holding the line on the pension reform and streamlining government through new performance metrics to increase accountability.”

2) Stephen Puetz

Seriously, the mayor first, followed by his chief of staff? Actually, yes, several listed Stephen Puetz in addition to Faulconer — for his role in managing the winning mayoral campaign, as well as subsequently leading the mayor’s operation.

“The best campaign manager in the state,” responded one activist. “He managed Faulconer’s special election campaign, while being outspent by $1 million with out-of-town government labor money. In a city with only 26 percent Republican registration, he directed a win by six points.”

A strategist also noted, “He’s the force of nature who has helped shaped the Mayor’s team. If you influence Number One then you’ve gotta be an influencer yourself.”

3) Jerry Sanders

The former mayor too? Yep, but in Jerry Sanders’ new role at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he’s been successful in getting the organization to exert what some described as latent influence.

“His very muscular refocusing of the Chamber has made a tremendous impact,” said consultant Jason Roe. “Contrary to the characterization of him being the voice of ‘big business,’ the reality is he’s the voice of small business which accounts for most of the job creators in San Diego and most of the members of the Chamber.”

Gayle Lynn Falkenthal simply noted of Sanders, “It’s been a long time since the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce was relevant. It’s relevant.”

4) Duane Dichiara, Jason Roe and Revolvis Consulting

Come on, the strategists that guided Faulconer’s race as well? Well, it’s obvious to political watchers, the mayor’s race was the year’s biggest story in San Diego. But, it’s more than that with the crew led by Duane Dichiara and Jason Roe. Revolvis received praise from several, including the firm’s competitors.

Revolvis’ clients include Faulconer and San Diego Councilmembers Chris Cate, Mark Kersey and Scott Sherman, as well as several other local and state politicos.

“Is there anyone more connected politically in San Diego?” a consultant asked about Roe.

“Smart, aggressive, and energetic strategists for the mayor and many others in the county,” said another.

5) Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez

Indeed, the names of Democrats were submitted as well. In Lorena Gonzelez’ case, it seems hardly a week went by during the year in which she wasn’t in the news championing some piece of legislation, much of it which business interests cited as “job-killing bills.”

As one Republican said, “No, I don’t like what she’s doing, but her legislative influence can be felt.” Another said, “To say she has clout in Sacramento and San Diego is an understatement.”

Those mentioned a few or more times (in alphabetical order):

Assemblywoman Toni Atkins

As Speaker of the State Assembly, Toni Atkins’ influence may be a given. Perhaps that’s why several named her without adding any comments, short of profound things like “Obvious” and “Nuff said.”

Let’s put it this way. She’s the Assembly Speaker. From San Diego. San Diego. State influence. Local influence. ‘Nuff said.

Brian Brady

If you haven’t seen this writer’s recent series, “A case for changing the Republican Party of San Diego,” as well as the resulting comments, you’re missing political debate at it’s best; the heart of local GOP discussion. “It’s no secret that the endorsement process of the Republican Party left some grassroots activists feeling alienated,” noted activist Zack Brown. “Brian Brady worked hard through the primary and general election to help heal these wounds and to unite Republican voters across San Diego. He’s an asset to the GOP Central Committee and a personification of Reagan’s great quote, ‘My 80 percent friend isn’t my 20 percent enemy.’”

Cory Briggs

A disruptive enemy of local government? It depends on your perspective. “No, I don’t like what he’s doing, but his litigious influence can be felt,” a consultant said of Attorney Cory Briggs. Gayle Lynn Falkenthal added, “If you want to go after the bureaucratic status quo, he’s your man.”

San Diego Councilmember Chris Cate

“Chris Cate translated his policy-wonkishness, boy-like good nature, and number two position at the San Diego County Taxpayers Association into a winning city council campaign,” former La Mesa Councilman Barry Jantz said. Jason Roe noted that “Cate’s addition to the San Diego City Council has restored balance to city government. It’s already had an impact by installing a new council president.” From another observer, succinctly: “Young, brilliant, likable and humble.”

San Diego Councilmember Todd Gloria

Following the era of darkness, Todd Gloria finalized his stint as interim mayor in early 2014. Both in the temporary mayor’s spot and as city council president for most of the year, he received significant praise from many City Hall watchers and those in the media. No question he has ambition for higher office and is well liked, yet Republicans who named him were wary. Jason Roe acknowledged Gloria’s influence while saying, “Rather than dealing with the fundamental problems facing our city, largely fiscal issues, he’s devoted his time to leftist legacy projects and forced our leaders to deal with non-sense rather than priorities.”

Barry Jantz

Also mentioned in the second Voice story, Barry Jantz worked for Grossmont Healthcare District to build consensus in getting a June lease extension of Grossmont Hospital passed, achieving 86.8 percent approval. “Also importantly,” said Brian Brady, “he works behind the scenes to help produce the award-winning ‘voice of the right,’ San Diego Rostra, bringing both similar and divergent thoughts — from conservatives, libertarians and right-leaning moderates — to light.”

Tony Krvaric

If it’s Republican in San Diego, Tony Krvaric is typically the force behind it, as chairman of the Republican Party of San Diego County. In a word, unafraid. “Often overlooked because of his partisanship, which some don’t understand is his job description, he runs a tight operation at the county GOP and makes it possible to beat the unions in the trenches,” said consultant Jason Roe.

Bill Lynch and the Lincoln Club of San Diego

Few voters will ever know either name, but the influence of Bill Lynch as chairman of the Lincoln Club is unquestioned. “None of the successes of the last two years would’ve happened without Lynch’s unwavering leadership,” said Jason Roe. “He’s made the Lincoln Club the most powerful entity in San Diego County.”

John Nienstedt

“He is the Oracle,” said a campaign consultant of pollster John Nienstedt, the founder of Competitive Edge Research & Communication. Gayle Lynn Falkenthal describes him as the man behind the Faulconer team and many other candidates and causes. “To do the job right,” she said, “you’ve got to know the hearts and minds of the electorate and what motivates them. Other political researchers focus on horse race numbers without reasons.”

Richard Rider

Richard Rider is the Godfather of Libertarianism in San Diego — possibly even California — and more recently a Republican convert. Yet, a convert only in party registration, not beliefs. “His position hasn’t changed on anything over the last three decades,” said a colleague. “People and groups are finding themselves more aligned with his views every year. Surely either he, or his ideas are winning.” Rider, also a Rostra blogger, was recently ranked by Jon Fleischman as one of the 25 most influential conservative voices in California.

Michael Schwartz

Brian Brady calls Michael Schwartz “THE” voice of the Second Amendment in San Diego County. “His work with the NRA members council and Gun Owners of California is more than topical,” Brady said. “He has fought in the newspapers, in council chambers, and in the public view to defend the individual, God Given right of self-defense.” Republican activist Steve Rider said of Schwartz’ guest commentaries, “Great posts, particularly his open letter to congressional candidate Kirk Jorgenson before the primary election.”

Also included by respondents:

Escondido Mayor Sam Abed

“Fourteen years after receiving his citizenship in 1990, Sam Abed was a city councilmember, six years later the Mayor of the fourth largest city in San Diego County,” said La Mesa Councilman Bill Baber. “He works 24/7 to make his town the ‘city of choice’ for business. He is a passionate supporter of fair and open competition … and an apostle of the free market. He won re-election and helped carry two allies to council victories, enduring an out-of-town developer’s million dollar campaign for an unpopular project rejected by the voters. Sam is passionate, unflappable, and fearless.”

La Mesa Councilmember Kristine Alessio

“She rallied a group of citizens to change the political structure of her city,” said her new colleague Bill Baber. “Alessio qualified and passed a term limits initiative in La Mesa. She publicly opposed long-serving Mayor Art Madrid. She elected three allies to join her on the City Council, and she was outspoken in her rational pro-growth votes as the city’s SANDAG rep. No one person has changed the political culture of one city more quickly than Kristine has done in La Mesa.”

Eric Andersen

A GOP Central Committee member and founder of the Republican Liberty Caucus of San Diego County, Eric Andersen provided important insights on Rostra‘s pages in 2014, most significantly differing with some fellow Christians over an effort to have conservative voters cast ballots for Scott Peters in the 52nd Congressional race. Vista City Councilmember Amanda Rigby said, “Eric Andersen has some thought provoking things to say — helping us all to ‘keep it real’ and to look past the rhetoric.”

State Senator Joel Anderson

Elected to his second term in the California State Senate, Joel Anderson has been described as the “hardest working person in politics,” while receiving praise from both sides of the aisle, regardless of his unabashed conservatism — which fits his Senate District. He recently opened a committee to raise funds for County Supervisor in 2020, the East County seat now held by Dianne Jacob. “Joel’s personality and force of will, along with his willingness to listen, has gotten him far in politics and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down,” said a Republican volunteer. Jordan Marks recently wrote about the nearly 3,000 in attendance at Anderson’s annual holiday gathering.

Mark Arabo

Mark Arabo was included as a “Voice for Refuge” in the second Voice of San Diego article. He leads the Neighborhood Market Association, while last year becoming a national spokesman for persecuted Iraqi Christians, working to address their plight with Congress and the Obama Administration. Some have noted he may be looking to run for office. A local consultant said, “Arabo is a pro-business Democrat with a bright political future.”

Coronado Councilmember Richard Bailey

“Richard Bailey has quietly built up an enviable voting record, defending limited government and economic freedom in his two years in Coronado,” Brian Brady noted. “He supported license approvals for businesses and pointed out when opposition to said licenses was rooted in cronyism. He protected taxpayers from boondoggle pubic works projects and insisted certain protections be inserted before approval.”

Todd Bosnich

With Todd Bosnich’s allegations, the former DeMaio for Congress staffer ignited a rocky finish to the campaign of his former boss. “The main reason Scott Peters was re-elected,” said a Republican consultant. “His influence on the electorate was undeniable.”

Comic-Con San Diego

“Comic-Con is single handedly driving discussion about expanding the Convention Center,” Gayle Lynn Falkenthal said. “Its influence on San Diego and our cool factor in the rest of the U.S. is undeniable.”

Gene Cubbison

The missing Carl DeMaio campaign “playbook” became even more infamous in an October showing of Gene Cubbison’s Politically Speaking on NBC 7. As a candidate, to be interviewed by Cubbison means your race is one to watch, so goes the local adage. Consultant John Dadian described the longtime journalist as the “dean of the region’s political reporters.”

John Dadian

Can you watch the news in San Diego without seeing this guy? A government affairs consultant, Dadian is also a political analyst for all six local TV stations and for the local print media, as well as a sought after speaker on the region’s politics. “John brings his experience as a government chief of staff and consultant to TV viewers,” said a PR professional, “helping them understand the nature of the political beast — and he’s enjoyable to watch.”

Carl DeMaio/Team DeMaio

Zack Brown was eloquent with his praise: “Results aside, everything Carl DeMaio said during his speech on election night was true. This wasn’t about one seat in Congress, it was about a movement. DeMaio staff, interns, and volunteers were some of the most kind hearted and hard working people I’ve met. The energy in the campaign office every day from people of all ages and backgrounds was something to behold. People from all parts of San Diego, and every corner of the country joined us in our GOTV efforts, working hard to send the message to both parties that labels don’t work in the cause of reforming government.”

Aimee Faucett

The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Aimee Faucett is credited along with Jerry Sanders for the organization’s newfound clout. “The political engine who makes Sanders look good,” said a consultant, “few are better at the game of politics than Aimee.”

“Founding Father”

You’d have to be reading Rostra regularly to know this commenter, or — more accurately — not know this commenter. In keeping with the allowance for anonymity on the blog, his “pseudo-name” is included here. As one blogger said, “Since you asked ‘for better or worse’ I’d list him up there (for worse). While it’s likely his individual posts did very little, the voice against DeMaio that he represented is likely to have cost the race in a year that proved ripe for Republican victories … there were other factors, but the group that ‘Founding Father’ represented definitely played a part.”

John Hoy

One of the top political consultants in San Diego, in 2014 John Hoy led winning efforts for San Diego Councilmember Lorie Zapf, Grossmont Healthcare District’s Prop G, and No on Prop H in Escondido, as well as an Independent Expenditure effort in support of Chris Cate for San Diego City Council. “Understated, unflappable and brilliant,” said a fellow strategist of Hoy.

Susan Jester

“Susan Jester was critical in bridging the gap between Republican candidates and the LGBT community, as president of the Log Cabin Republicans,” said Zack Brown. “In a time where mutual respect and understanding is growing, there are still detractors on the far left and right that can make conservative activism within the LGBT community difficult. Susan was on the front lines helping elect Kevin Faulconer and Chris Cate, and worked tirelessly for Carl DeMaio. Susan’s professionalism and dedication inspired everyone she worked with, and it’s clear that she is a strong voice for conservatism and coalition building in San Diego.”

Assemblyman Brian Jones

His “Are you kidding me?” videos, about the realities of Sacramento, are a staple at Rostra. High Speed Rail, brightly-painted BB guns, Cap and Trade, nanny overtime hours, he’s not afraid to decry the Nanny State and call it the way he sees it. “Brian Jones is one of the nicest guys in politics,” said Barry Jantz, “and the local ideological alter ego to his colleague, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez.”

Tony Manolatos

Former U-T reporter and San Diego City Hall staffer Tony Manolatos launched the new Apex Strategies in 2014 and worked as a communications consultant for the campaigns of Kevin Faulconer, Chris Cate, and No on H in Escondido, as well as against the City of San Diego linkage fee — winning a sweep in four high profile efforts. “He and political consultant John Hoy are known as ‘Davids’ for their trouncing of millionaire Michael Schlesinger in Escondido’s campaign against Prop H,” quipped an area activist.

Chula Vista Councilmember John McCann, wife Myssie and Team McCann

In November, John McCann won a city council seat by two votes, including a prolonged recount, one of the closest elections in county history. “If there’s one race that never seemed to end, it was for Chula Vista City Council,” Zack Brown said. “Team McCann’s perseverance through recounts and ballot challenges paid off.” Bill Baber added, “Nursing her husband John through his near-death injuries from a 2013 car wreck, then running his campaign, then managing his recount defense — no one has worked harder to help someone win a city council seat than Myssie McCann.”

Sage Naumann

“Sage Naumann took the risk that more principled Republicans should be taking,” said activist Zack Brown. “He put himself and his reputation on the line and ran for office (Carlsbad School Board). While he took some heat from the media, I believe this made Sage a stronger candidate. We haven’t seen the last of him and I look forward to his future runs for office.”

Congressman Scott Peters

“In one of the most closely watched and hard-fought elections in years, he held off a credible and significant challenge,” a Republican strategist said of Scott Peters. “I can’t discount the fact that many thought he couldn’t survive a strong challenge in a non-presidential year.”

A.J. Preller

A non-political pick! “Still early, but his is psychic influence,” one consultant said of new Padres General Manager A.J. Preller. “He’s getting San Diegans to care about the team again; a difficult feat that’s good for the region.”

Vista Councilmember Amanda Rigby

“Amanda Rigby often stands as the lone vote for economic freedom in Vista,” said Brian Brady. “She votes against the Council majority when they want to deny approvals to car dealers and retail stores with the intent of ‘protecting’ other Vista businesses.”

County Supervisor Ron Roberts

Consultant John Dadian praised the longtime Supervisor for the hard work leading to final completion of a decades old dream of completing the Embarcadero waterfront park. “Ron Roberts’ successful efforts completely changed the landscape of San Diego’s front porch,” he said.

SANDAG’s Naysayers

Those litigating against the region’s transportation plan. “They’ve been influential in stopping the plan, at least temporarily, and making the case for more public transportation,” said a consultant.

San Diego Councilmember Scott Sherman

Dave McCulloch of Circle24 Strategies repeated to Rostra what he told Voice, and we liked it: “Remember the time Scott Sherman was on a fishing trip and came home early just so he could speak about his position on the minimum wage? … Remember the countless times Sherman called everything like he saw it while others were hesitant to speak up so fiercely? Not to mention the efforts he’s led or participated in to give back to his community. And that’s not even mentioning his love of motorcycles, which is just kinda cool for a guy elected to office (OK, so maybe that doesn’t count). No matter your positions or no matter how you feel about Sherman, there’s no doubt he’s become a strong, unabashed advocate for center-right causes.”

Almis Udrys

Also included in the follow-up Voice article, Almis Udrys heads up the City of San Diego’s new Performance and Analytics Department. The effort has been praised as a means of streamlining government by creating performance metrics to increase accountability, thus using data and technology to aid the City in its decisions-making. Heady, but important. “One of the great young minds at City Hall,” an observer said of Udrys.

U-T San Diego

Jason Roe, again not afraid to say what he thinks, or be quoted, which we appreciate: “Sometimes the left thinks telling the truth is a right wing conspiracy. Maybe it’s just the truth and the U-T has been willing to call it.”

Poway Mayor Steve Vaus

“Steve Vaus championed the effective Poway Secret Service, a citizen-led effort to improve Poway’s quality of life,” noted Brian Brady. “He introduced the repeal of cronyist home business licensing. His winning campaign for mayor shows that Poway voters want to move towards a freedom-based agenda rather than the ‘traditional,’ Republican ‘pro-business’ agenda.”

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells

Bill Wells was appointed as mayor in 2013, then won election in November. “He provided the inspiration for a long-awaited revitalization of the City of El Cajon,” consultant John Hoy said, “through his leadership on the “Valley of Cars’ and pushing for a more business-friendly environment and top-flight city staff.”

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Please tell us other deserving individuals that should be included. You may comment below or send an email, info@sdrostra.com.

Several Rostra contributors helped finalize this story. However, none were allowed to write about themselves!