San Diego's mayor: A countywide constituency

By: BILL HORN | Thursday, May 19, 2005 10:15 PM PDT ∞

Dick Murphy, who resigned as mayor less than five months into his second four-year term, said San Diego needed a mayor elected by a majority of people and with "a clear mandate to take this city forward." Whatever method is used to determine a new mayor, there's an undeniable fact: No matter where you live, whether it's Oceanside, Escondido, Borrego Springs or Chula Vista, what happens at San Diego City Hall has an impact on every resident in San Diego County.

The mayor and city of San Diego hold weighted voting positions on the San Diego Association of Governments, the regional planning and funding authority for transportation issues in our county.

The city of San Diego's clout extends to the Regional Airport Authority, where the mayor appoints one member of the three-person paid executive committee. In addition, a San Diego city councilman currently serves as a general member of the nine-person airport board.

Whenever there's a countywide emergency, especially brush fires, the resources of the city of San Diego are pressed into action. There are no city limits when it comes to saving lives and property.

And, like it or not, the financial condition of the city of San Diego impacts decisions of business leaders who are considering either relocating to San Diego County or pulling up stakes and leaving.

Clint Eastwood in "Dirty Harry" said, "A man has got to know his limitations." Applying that to good government, the secret to avoiding financial disaster is to be aware of what and where your limitations are and knowing how not to exceed them.

Dick Murphy, in his resignation speech, said, "A good leader needs to know when it is time to move on." With all due respect, I have never heard of a leader ---- in combat, business or in government ---- who led by quitting.

The questions we all need to ask are these: When the mayor of San Diego moves out, what agenda will move in and what limitations will be exceeded by new leadership? Those questions become even more pressing on Jan. 1, 2006, when the "strong mayor" form of government begins.

The citizens of San Diego need to know who the special interests are, such as the public employee unions that covet greater control of government. The city's current budget's state of paralysis and continuing death rattle is terrible news because the media's local and national focus is not on those of us who have our financial house in order, but on a wounded and dysfunctional dinosaur headquartered at 202 C St.

The next mayor of San Diego needs to be a person who knows what it takes to be a chief executive officer ---- a person with a clear plan and vision for the future, an understanding of city finances, business principles and crisis management. Besides having the courage to make tough decisions for taxpayers, this new mayor must also lead with compassion and honesty.

County Supervisor Bill Horn represents the 5th district, which includes much of North County.