Power of PLAN

I am concerned over recent articles in the press “crediting” PLAN! with the upsets in the San Diego City Council elections. I would like to set the record straight regarding PLAN!’s involvement.

PLAN! has a large, politically active membership. It is quite common for PLAN members, as individuals, to be involved in campaigns and advocacy in community issues. Unfortunately, recent press accounts have taken that simple fact and spun it into something more sensational, inappropriately crediting the PLAN! organization with the victories won by candidates and their well-organized, grass-roots campaigns.

The fact is no long-shot candidate ever wins without the hard work, commitment and support of their community--their “base.” The media may not find the “hard work” story as sexy as the “PLAN! takes over the city” story, but it is more accurate.

Incumbents Bruce Henderson and Wes Pratt were the big losers because they were out-walked, out-phoned, out-maneuvered by their challengers’ army of hard-working volunteers. The upcoming runoff between Valerie Stallings and Henderson will not be a “test” of PLAN!’s political strength, but rather a clear choice for 6th District voters between very different styles.

BECKIE MANN

Executive Director, PLAN!