Resolving San Diego's Fiscal Crisis

By Greg T. Finley

Eliminating the pension debt is the first obligation of the City Council so that San Diego can move forward. This must be accomplished through contract renegotiations and by due consideration of bankruptcy declaration. The culture of secrecy must be eliminated so that San Diegans regain confidence in their elected officials and the origins of their decision-making.

Resolving San Diego's fiscal crisis is of primary importance. Until this situation is satisfactorily resolved the city cannot move forward, figuratively or literally. I agree with the basic position taken by both mayoral candidates: Eliminating the pension debt must be accomplished through contract renegotiations, and bankruptcy must be given due consideration.

Perhaps most importantly, the culture at City Hall that helped create the pension crisis, and that continues to fan the flames of controversy, must be changed. Closed door meetings and secret votes cannot continue, and it's time for the City Council to initiate an evening session that would allow average working San Diegans the opportunity to attend and participate in the governance and decision-making process. I will spearhead the movement for transparency and citizen participation.

The animosity between the City Attorney and the City Council must also be resolved. It is my personal belief that the situation is driven, at least in part, by the desire on behalf of some members of the City Council to protect their own interests with regards to the ongoing investigation into the city's finances and the origins of the pension crisis. This is a blatant example of elected officials putting their personal reputations and aspirations above the welfare of the City. I believe this to be symptomatic of a long-established culture wherein sitting on the City Council is viewed as a steppingstone to a political career, rather than a public service.

I have no political aspirations. I desire simply to apply my cumulative life experience to put San Diego back in business. Without an agenda and with no affiliation to either political party or loyalty to any set of interests, I intend to give every option, no matter how politically unpopular, due consideration until San Diego's fiscal crisis is resolved and the city's direction is charted toward a vibrant future for all San Diegans.