The Only Way to Go

When the City Council takes up the subject of whether to fill the vacancy created by Roger Hedgecock’s resignation by appointment or special election, it should be a rather brief discussion. Holding an election is the only way to go.

Unfortunately, there is a move afoot to have the council name Councilman Bill Cleator to serve as mayor until the next municipal elections take place in the fall of 1987. Those who are behind this effort apparently don’t want the public intruding on their discussions and aren’t saying much on the record.

Cleator says he has tried to discourage such talk and, at least publicly, he seems to recognize that a decision to deny the voters the right to choose their political leader would be short-sighted and would only alienate the community, not bring it together. “I don’t think the system works that way,” he said. He’s right. Several other council members in the Republican majority also appear to be leaning toward an election but have not given the idea the unqualified support it deserves.

Holding a special election is costly, and it is unfortunate that the city must go to the expense. But San Diego does not need a “caretaker” mayor selected by a few power brokers and the City Council members who are beholden to them.

At this point, the list of potential mayoral candidates includes Cleator, fellow Councilmen Ed Struiksma and Mike Gotch, Police Chief Bill Kolender and former Councilwoman Maureen O’Connor.

They and any others who come forward should have the opportunity to compete for the job.

After more than a year of distraction while everyone waited to learn whether Hedgecock would survive the criminal charges brought against him, the city needs a real leader--chosen by the electorate.