A few days ago, SD Rostra writer Brian Brady posted this on Facebook, including a link to a KUSI story from a few weeks prior (screenshot below)…
“I heard (Supervisor) Kristin Gaspar speak today and she was on fire. At present, she is the ONLY politician asking the hard questions about SANDAG. SANDAG is essentially a mafia-type agency, designed to enrich the few at the expense of the many.”
Brady’s post resulted in some interesting responses…
“Ouch Brady,” commented San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, “that’s me next to her… Kristin is amazing, that’s why I’m endorsing her for re-election!”
Vista Councilwoman Amanda Young Rigby also responded, “Not the only one, Brian. I’ve submitted two different Public Records Act requests (to SANDAG). The one they responded to begged more questions, prompting the second. They’re having such a hard time responding to my second one I have a meeting with counsel to discuss what I want to know vs. what they’re willing to tell me.” In an apparent reference to SANDAG Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata, Rigby continued, “Someone needs to be reminded who he works for and that SANDAG is a public agency. Transparency is a thing … Kristin and Rebecca are awesome and they nail it every time. We must keep the pressure on from all sides.”
“Thanks Brian!” replied Gaspar. “I am thankful for Mayor Rebecca Jones. We are known as the disrupters at SANDAG. At first I was offended but now I recognize it is a compliment!”
Brady responded by clarifying his initial comment: “I didn’t mean to diminish the contributions Rebecca Jones and Amanda Young Rigby are making. I suppose you are the only one I am hearing Kristin … Keep up the heat and press harder.”
“Tune in to a Santee City Council Meeting sometime,” wrote Santee Councilwoman Laura Koval. “We have plenty to say (and I did again tonight).”
In reply, Brady asked, “Where are the Republican men on this? It seems like Kristin, Amanda, Rebecca, and Laura are doing all the heavy lifting.”
Others responded with praise for Supervisor Jim Desmond and Santee Mayor John Minto.
But you get the gist. Based on news coverage, it does at times appear that certain elected officials are carrying the water on the fight against SANDAG’s proposed efforts to utilize intended road and highway funds instead for transit projects.
Not everyone can be a SANDAG insider, nor can they attend the meetings to see firsthand who is championing the cause.
Mayors and councilmembers, as well as other politicos (regardless of party, regardless of gender), we’d like to know what you have done — or your city council has done — to hold SANDAG’s feet to the fire. Or, if you disagree with the approach by those noted above, let us know that as well. Readers, maybe you’ve noted your representative taking action… let us know.
Please comment below. If you’d like a longer response to be considered as a guest commentary, please let us know that as well — info@sdrostra.com.