The Candidates State Their Cases. 4th Council District : WES PRATT

Incumbent Wes Pratt, 40, is an attorney and was elected to the City Council in 1987. Before that he was an aide to county Supervisor Leon Williams and Assemblyman Pete Chacon. Pratt graduated from the University of San Diego law school. He lives near Paradise Hills.

Economic development and employment opportunities remain the most critical factors in providing continued growth and stability for the more than 138,000 residents who call the 4th District home. And the 4th District’s economic well-being is important to the success of the whole city.

Economic development rejuvenates the hopes and dreams of the community and assists in eliminating problems associated with crime, drugs and gang activity, unemployment, illiteracy and school dropout rates--social problems that cost all San Diegans.

Strong values permeate our community, providing a work ethic that supports a largely residential community that is proud of its homeownership.

Our goal is to expand this foundation so that citizens who live, work and go to school in the 4th District will be able to create viable businesses that generate jobs, quality services and products. That means creating policies and programs that change the institutional structure, which has historically excluded 4th District residents. I have spent the last 3 1/2 years challenging the perception of the 4th District, often negatively referred to as “Southeast” when drugs and crimes are discussed by those who believe that lawlessness is the standard.

By working with public officials locally and nationally, financial institutions, business owners, community groups, churches and residents, we have been able to improve the community’s standard of living and its economic foundation.

We’ve created a local Community Reinvestment Policy that will change how financial institutions do business in the 4th District and make it easier for residents to get mortgage loans, business capital and a full range of banking services.

As we rebuild our communities, we renew our young people’s confidence in the neighborhoods where they grew up, enhancing what their parents and neighbors have created in pursuing self-sufficiency--stable businesses, homeownership and the promotion of safe neighborhoods. “Greenlining” instead of redlining will be the standard for community investment. When one is included in the process of economic development, one learns the dynamics of what is necessary to make business districts and neighborhoods thrive: how to deal with financial institutions, maintain involvement in local government and participate in community organizations.

Our redevelopment agency has a strong board of directors and a committed staff that oversees programs such as the Revolving Loan Fund, offering small businesses access to capital to help them purchase equipment or increase their product lines. The Business Innovation Center provides businesses affordable rental space and office support. Innovative programs such as the Project Employment Program work with community churches and the business sector to match young people with jobs--not costing taxpayers a cent. Such programs are the foundation for future economic success.

I am proud of the 4th District, its ethnic and cultural diversity and all that we as a community have been able to accomplish as we move into the 21st Century.

I will continue to extend a challenge to its residents and friends of the community to recommit themselves to its economic growth and to remain involved with those institutions that are impacting change.