Supervisor Bailey Announces Retirement

San Diego County Supervisor George F. Bailey announced Friday that he will step down from his 2nd District post next year, ending 34 years of public service.

The announcement that Bailey will retire after two terms representing eastern San Diego County had been expected for several months. His former aide, Dianne Jacob, already has begun campaigning for his seat. Santee Mayor Jack Doyle also is seeking the seat.

Bailey served two terms on the La Mesa Planning Commission, five terms on the La Mesa City Council and four years as that city’s mayor before he was elected a county supervisor in 1984.

The 72-year-old supervisor, who wept during his announcement at the County Administration Center, was a main backer of the Proposition A sales tax increase for jails and courts that was overturned Thursday by the state Supreme Court.

He also led the way in initiating three lawsuits filed by the county against the state for a return of a larger share of tax revenues.

“I expect to make every effort during the final year of my term to see that the criminal justice system is reinforced,” he said. “Public safety and the protection of our children must come first.”