Anyone hoping to fill in the seat left unattended by former County Supervisor Nora Vargas better hurry.
Would-be candidates have until Tuesday, Jan. 28, to get their paperwork—and some scratch—turned over to county officials.
The privilege of running for the District 1 office won’t come cheap. Candidates need to file nomination papers along with $2,202.54. Unfortunately the period in which the fee could be waived in part or in full has passed, having opened and closed a mere three days after the Board decided Jan. 14 to hold a special election.
It’s not official until it’s official but so far four seasoned politicians have expressed interest in running for the office: Imperial Beach’s mayor Paloma Aguirre, San Diego Councilmember Vivian Moreno, and Chula Vista’s mayor and council member John McCann and Carolina Chavez.
They’ll have access to funds that will cover their nomination and campaign expenses. But will whoever lands the job have the nerve and fortitude to fight for not only their constituents but the entire county on day one?
Being an elected official isn’t an easy task in ordinary times. These are not ordinary times.
Less than a week in office the President of the United States has already threatened state and local legislators with legal action if they do not comply with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. He wants local resources used for dismantling local communities when immigration enforcement is a federal task.
Furthermore, Trump has also hinted withholding federal aid from California as it grapples with the devastating affects of wildfires unless it meets his demands for changes to its environmental policy.
Fortunately San Diego County has escaped the catastrophic destruction that has charred Los Angeles. So far. But history has demonstrated massive wildfires in San Diego are not a matter of if, but when.
Now imagine if in our time of need the President of the United States withholds money from state and county agencies because he does not like the policies the community has adopted.
The next four years will be filled with internal and external challenges. Whoever the next county supervisor is better have the stomach and backbone for the fights ahead.
