UT San Diego: Nathan Fletcher in his own words

I. An independent mayor

My decision to leave partisan politics was rooted in a growing frustration with what party politics has become today – less a commitment to principles than a cynical exercise in playing political games to win elections. Leaders should never compromise their core values in pursuit of getting something done. But they should have the independence and willingness to work towards solutions that move us forward.

Those who have followed my career know I have defined my time in elected office by turning principles into action. We passed legislation by building bipartisan coalitions around shared goals. We negotiated in good faith and overcame opposition to deliver results that put people back to work, ensured access to healthcare, improved public safety, protected and preserved our environment and built a better future.

As mayor, I will continue this approach, which has helped me become one of the most effective legislators in our state.

II. Marine Corps values

My core values were shaped by growing up in a working-class family and sharpened by my service in combat as a Marine. I’m offended by the suggestion that leaving the Republican Party is somehow analogous to breaking a Marine’s pledge of fidelity to country. Our pledge should not be to party politics, it should be to the people we represent.

My principles and my positions on the key issues facing our city have not changed since I made the decision to become an independent. I support Comprehensive Pension Reform and will implement all parts of it. I continue to support Managed Competition as a tool to make delivery of city services more efficient, and I continue to believe local governments should have the ability to contract for construction services based solely on the best quality and value for taxpayers.

III. Compromise consistent with principles

To translate ideas into action takes a leader who can work with people.

Does this mean compromise is an end in itself? No. There is no compromise when it comes to the public interest or protecting taxpayers. Will we always agree? Of course not. Bold ideas will have opposition. Will everyone get what they want? Not a chance. But that doesn’t mean you can’t work for solutions that preserve our basic principles while taking into account the legitimate interests of others.

I stand up today and state that I will not exclude anyone from joining my campaign based on ideological litmus tests. I welcome support from anyone who shares my vision for our city. That is my only test.

As your mayor, nobody will be tougher in negotiating labor agreements that protect taxpayers or in negotiating development agreements that protect our quality of life. But unlike my opponents, I will not treat either side like an enemy or exclude them from being part of a solution because of past disagreements.

IV. A mayor for all San Diego

I know what answers the U-T San Diego was seeking today. However, I have never been someone who tells people what they want to hear. I say what I believe, for better or worse. I can only be who I am.

San Diegans have a clear choice in this election. Two of my opponents have defined their career by focusing on who is to blame for the problems we face, and who shouldn’t be a part of the solution. The tone, temperament, leadership style and vision for our city make each candidate unique and offer clear contrasts.

I offer a new approach: tested in battle, trusted by those with whom I’ve worked, and committed to following an independent course to protect the public interest.

I will be an independent mayor for all of San Diego. I will not be beholden to any group, but will always be willing to work with anyone to find areas of agreement and solutions that move our city moving forward.

Fletcher, a member of the state Assembly, is an independent candidate for mayor of San Diego.