The Fairest Way to Go

The contest to fill San Diego City Councilman Uvaldo Martinez’s soon-to-be-vacant seat has become at least a two-stage event. The first step involves the current lobbying of the City Council by most of the announced candidates who want to influence what selection process will be used. Only after that is determined can the race among the candidates begin in earnest.

The reason this first step is so important is that some candidates know they will run better among the electorate citywide, while others feel they will benefit by an election held only in the 8th District. Still others would prefer having only to persuade five members of the council to appoint them. The same logic applies to those already on the council who know that the process that is used will affect the type of colleague they get. So, in observing the debate, it’s hard to separate the debaters’ self-interest from the merits of a given position.

We have a bias, too, and that is a history of supporting the concept of election by districts rather than the existing system of nomination by district then election citywide. But the voters have rejected that plan, so we don’t argue now for a district election for its own sake.

What we do appeal for is the right of the residents of the 8th District to have a meaningful say in choosing their representative on the City Council. The last three council members from that district were all originally appointed to the council, not elected. It was 1971 when the voters last elected someone to the seat who had not already been appointed.

It is a political fact of life in San Diego that incumbency is the most important factor in winning a council election. Even a short-term appointment is a major factor, as was most recently seen in 1983 when Councilwoman Gloria McColl, named to office just six months before the election, withstood a formidable challenge from then-school board member Bob Filner.

Mayor Maureen O’Connor has proposed a non-binding advisory vote by the residents of the district, with the City Council appointing the winner to the seat. Considering factors of time, money and fairness to the voters, this seems like the best possible way to go. We’re skeptical about City Atty. John Witt’s opinion that the City Charter somehow prevents the council from using the advisory vote.

But if a legal obstacle does exist, the council should cast its vote in favor of democracy and call for a full-blown election. Those who argue against this say the cost cannot be justified for a term that would last less than a year. But if past is prologue, the outcome of an election would have significant impact on who fills the seat for several years to come.

The 8th District has had enough hand-picked representation. This time let the people choose.