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Pfeiler says she wants to continue Escondido's path to success
By: DAVID FRIED - Staff Writer | ∞
Escondido Mayor Lori Pfeiler
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Editor's note: This is one in a series of profiles of the two candidates running for Escondido mayor and the seven candidates running for two seats on the Escondido City Council in Tuesday's election.
ESCONDIDO ---- Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler has seen Escondido change quite a bit during her 14 years on the dais.
A formerly sleepy downtown has begun to flourish once again. A formidable chunk of rock on the west side of the city has been carved out and is taking shape as the Escondido Research and Technology Center, a business park that will include Palomar Pomerado Health's new medical campus. And nearly 1,000 condominiums are being added or are planned for the city's urban core.
But there is still a lot of work to be done, Pfeiler says, which is why she decided to run for a third term.
"It's often difficult to move an agenda forward," Pfeiler said of the council's goals for boosting investment in the city. "In the last several years, we've added more opportunities and (as a result) more opportunities come to the city. ... It's just a really exciting time."
Her critics argue that she has been in office too long, and focused more on the needs of developers than those of the city.
But Pfeiler, 49, dismisses those arguments as lacking in vision.
Good governance, she said, is striking a balance between preserving the interests of the community, and allowing that community to grow in order to foster more possibilities for residents and workers.
Elmer Cameron, who served with Pfeiler during her first term on the council, said she has succeeded in that role in part by regularly attending nearly every happening and event in the city.
"She's out there in the community," Cameron said. "She doesn't have to do that, but she does."
And the relationships she has built with local and regional businesses over the years add a level of consistency that helps that goal, said Pfeiler, who grew up in Escondido and joined the council in 1992 as a member before becoming mayor midway through her second term.
Still, as arguably the most recognizable public face on the council, Pfeiler has taken heat for some of the panel's decisions and efforts to bring in more development.
Downtown merchants and other community members vehemently pushed against the council's plans to build an eight-story condominium building in the heart of downtown as part of its efforts to lure a Marriott hotel to a spot next to City Hall. The city and developer later dropped the condos from the hotel plans, which were approved this summer.
Many council members, including Pfeiler, would still like to see some sort of development on the site, and the city is updating its planning guidelines for the area to prepare for any future developments.
Pfeiler describes the debate as "a conversation we (the community) will continue to have," as Escondido continues to reassess its housing and transportation needs.
Escondido's leaders must also deal with changing demographics of the city, which, much like the rest of the county and state, faces an aging population and growth in the Latino community.
Part of Pfeiler's approach to addressing these changes has been trying to position Escondido as a key piece in North County's mosaic of cities.
For the last decade, she has been a member of the San Diego Association of Governments, where she helped develop a comprehensive regional plan to deal with growth, development and other issues.
"We're all butting up against each other, so we need to acknowledge each other," Pfeiler said.
Mickey Cafagna, mayor of Poway and chairman of the association's board of directors, said Pfeiler has played an integral role in getting the county's 18 cities to work together to find solutions to common problems.
"She's very highly respected among her peers, and we all look to her for guidance and leadership on a lot of things," Cafagna said.
A comprehensive approach is also what is needed to deal with illegal immigration in Escondido and other cities, said Pfeiler, who was in the council minority to vote against a recently passed measure barring landlords from renting to illegal immigrants.
During the heated public testimony and council discussion on that matter, as well as other recent agenda items, including the relocation of Palomar Pomerado's hospital, Pfeiler has found herself playing moderator on the dais.
"My challenge is making sure the community is represented fairly, even when the council is fighting among themselves," Pfeiler said.
Councilman Ron Newman, who will step down next month after one term, has at times been at odds with Pfeiler, generally with Newman arguing for more cautious approaches to development.
But Newman said that, although the two may not always agree, Pfeiler's experience, knowledge of the community and ability to work well with others has made her an exemplary leader of Escondido's council.
"I don't know that you could expect any more from a mayor than the way she's performing," Newman said.
Contact staff writer David Fried at (760) 740-5416 or dfried@nctimes.com.
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Time to Move On wrote on Nov 2, 2006 11:39 PM:It's time for Lori Pfeiler to Move On down the road. She does not have the time or vision to lead Escondido anymore. Pfeiler is not in touch with the issues that face Escondido - she is too concerned with the issues of the "region" of North County San Diego. Escondido needs and deserves a Mayor that will focus on the issues that affect Escondido - i.e. illegal immigration, over-crowding, code-enforcement, schools, traffic, jobs, crime, sewer, water, etc... Pfeiler is the co-chair of SANDAG and she expects to "move up" (that's a promotion). How will she have the time the think about Escondido? She has done a fine job - BUT, we need a Mayor that thinks of Escondido First. Vote D'Agosta!
Escondido Citizen wrote on Nov 2, 2006 11:50 PM:Mayor Pfeiler: Although your public presence and smooth social skills are impressive, you earned my vote through your princibled leadership and integrity. In the last month your's has been the voice of reason. I'm confident you will be serving as our Mayor for another term and that speaks well for our community.
Long time Escondidan wrote on Nov 3, 2006 6:38 AM:David Fried and the NCT, are you going to give Tom D'Agosta the the same oppertunity for his say or are you too bias?
Yes Vote wrote on Nov 3, 2006 6:53 AM:Mayor Pfeiler is a proven leader who sticks with her principles. Tom D'Agosta will and does say anything to get elected. You cannot trust D'Agosta, but you can trust Mayor Pfeiler. She has been a great Mayor and deserves our vote. I am voting for her and am telling everyone I know to vote her.
Robert24 wrote on Nov 3, 2006 7:04 AM:The Mayor has indeed lost sight of what is best for Escondido, as was solidified by her vote on the Illegal Alien Renter ordinance. Mayor Pfeiler has had a large hand in not only much of the good in Escondido, but also for a large part of the bad. Under her watch, we have seen overcrowding and increased illegal alien population increases, which has led to more crime, gang activity, drugs, etc. Let's look at the big picture, and realize that Lori's time is over, and it is time for a change. Her interests are no longer focused primarily on Escondido, and she is not giving it 100%. My vote goes to Mr. D'Agosta.
A Pathetic Mayor wrote on Nov 3, 2006 7:08 AM:I don't think Mayor Pfeiler has done a fine job. I don't care one bit about things like a new hotel downtown when the city has the fourth highest crime rate in the county, schools that are overcrowded and can't meet national standards and daily traffic gridlock. And people wonder why Escondido can't attract major employers. Who would move there businesses here? This all happened on Pfeiler's watch. Vote for Tom D'Agosta.
Successful Invasion wrote on Nov 3, 2006 7:51 AM:During her 14 years, Pfeiler has coddled illegal immigrants and allowed them to ruin my neighborhood. I once lived in a quiet and clean neighborhood. Now it is becoming a suburb of Tijuana, Mexico. Loud music, graffiti, overcrowded houses, old pickups everywhere, homeless Mexicans sleeping and defecating in bushes next to sidewalks used by school children, and so on. Her wimpy position that immigration enforcement should be limited to the border and the jobsite is naive and unworkable. A vote for Pfeiler is a vote for more of the same!
Grant to Mission wrote on Nov 3, 2006 7:58 AM:President Ulysses S. Grant was an American hero. The Spanish Missions were a failed attempt by Spain to control California. The Mayor's policies has caused the name of an American Hero to be blotted out of the city because the children of illegal immigrants perform poorly on standardized exams.
November 5th wrote on Nov 3, 2006 8:03 AM:is when the activist and the illegals meet at Grape Day Park, maybe the Mayor can join the other 25 people in attendance.
Never would I vote wrote on Nov 3, 2006 8:05 AM:for anyone who would advocate rights for illegal criminals. Bye Bye Lori!
I will always vote wrote on Nov 3, 2006 9:37 AM:for Mayor Pfeiler. She is involved with her community. I have never seen D'Agosta in any community event. He was totally uneffective as a Councilmenber, so unless he have had an 180 degrees change, he will be always uneffective. Mayor Pfeiler is concern with the same issue that other members in the community but she is respectfull of the tax payer dollars and does not support having to pay for long legal lawsuits as the one Escondido residents will have to face if the ACLU is successful. Not only we are know for our nice city areas but now we are also known as one of the most racist cities.
RINO wrote on Nov 3, 2006 9:50 AM:Republican In Name Only! That is the Mayor. A true Republican, Brian Bilbray, came out in support of Escondido's Rental Ban. The Mayor has said that illegal immigration is a Federal issue. Oops! Our Federal Congressman wants local participation in the illegal immigration issue. Poor Lori. And she was such an ardent supporter of Bilbray. A RINOs life is tough when a real Republican gets elected.
I have known Tom D'Agosta wrote on Nov 3, 2006 11:19 AM:all my life. He cares passionately about our home town and will do everything to make sure it grows in a responsible way. Lori hasn't been responsible about anything. Maybe she can be mayor down in National City.
Escondido will recover wrote on Nov 3, 2006 11:47 AM:The recent hate emboldened by some council members and even Tom D'Agosta will pass. Lori can and will help rebuild our community. She has earned my vote and my respect.
I agree the wrote on Nov 3, 2006 12:32 PM:only way Lori would win, is to run for Mayor of National City.
The LA Times wrote on Nov 3, 2006 12:39 PM:has written Busby off, saying she is a long shot. I guess if your for illegals you won't be elected, except maybe by illegals.
I don't understand wrote on Nov 3, 2006 12:42 PM:the issue of illegal immigration is what is on everybody's mind, with the majority totally against any guest worker program, they all want deportation. And yet this politicans pander to illegals knowing the voters are ticked.
Gary wrote on Nov 3, 2006 1:17 PM:I already voted by Absentee Ballot: As a life long Republican I was felt I had to vote for Art Olivier (Lib) instead of Arnold Schwarzenegger(R) for Governor, and Glenn McMillon, Jr (IA) instead of Bruce McPherson (R), for secretary of State, due to their softening stance on Illegal Immigration. All other State Wide Offices I voted Republican. The issues transcend Political Parties.
Don't be fooled wrote on Nov 3, 2006 1:18 PM:Tom D'Agosta is talking the talk regarding illegal immigration only because he thinks it will get him elected. He waited to come out on the issue until just recently when he figured out it would get him votes. Do not trust him. You cannot judge Mayor Pfeiler on one issue, rather she should be judged by her long record of service. She is the only choice for Mayor. D'Agosta would be a disaster.
April wrote on Nov 3, 2006 1:45 PM:We have seen Major Pfeiler's "LONG" record of service, just drive around town and take a good long look. This city is truly missing it. She had done a good job her first few years and I was a fan of hers but recently, these past 3 years or so I have seen many neighborhoods absolutly ruined! I'm tired of Drunk Hispanic males staring and passing out in the streets and front yards, I'm tired of Hispanic women who can't speak english pushing their strollers with 3 to 4 kids, I'm tired of the hispanic person who legally can not drive and are on the road. I'm tired of graffiti on Saturday mornings, I'm tired of mexican markets,liquor stores and taco shops, I'm tired of feeling I live in a foriegn country!!! This is why I feel we need a change and I will NOT be voting for Major Pfeiler. And each and every one who feels the same,need to VOTE and Make a difference!
TO RINO wrote on Nov 3, 2006 2:43 PM:Well, since this has obviously moved far beyond Lori Pfeiler.... TO RINO: And who else is a Republican in name only? George Bush? John McCain? Ted Stevenson? Everyone one of them has supported a bill that runs contrary to this local ordinance. When will you people figure out you are being used? Do you realize the likes of Bilbray, D'Agosta and Waldron sit around over drinks at night and laugh at how gulible you are? At how easily they can lead you around just by pushing a few of your hot buttons? You talk about losing your country to an uneducated mass of poor immigrants trying to ekk out a living, all the while an Orwellian political machine cuts away at your civil liberites, sends your sons and daughters off to die in a religious war where the dead women and children out pace the dead jihadist ten to one, and caters to a class of rich elite here in our own country that enjoys the life of literal kings and queens. And all the while you sit around and listen to the hate speech spewed out by talk radio and let them convince you it's really about flags, crosses and the poor s.o.b. cutting your grass. The politicians have figured you out: your hatred is a much stronger motivator than your ability to feel compassion. The right wing and the millions of lemmings following along will be the doom of this nation.
Lost Touch wrote on Nov 3, 2006 3:24 PM:Pfeiler says she wants to continue. The only problem is we do not want her back. PLEASE do not vote for Pfeiler!
National City wrote on Nov 3, 2006 3:28 PM:Pfeiler should run for Mayor of National City because Escondido does not want her.
To To RINO wrote on Nov 3, 2006 3:53 PM:We lost our compassion when they started killing us, drunk driving, rape, murder, yeah you can say we lost all compassion!
That's a joke: wrote on Nov 3, 2006 4:17 PM:Esc has no future based on recent events. Go thump your bias bible.
Independent wrote on Nov 3, 2006 4:59 PM:For TO RINO at 2:43 PM. The class of rich elite have been pushing buttons . . . FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION! Nationalism is not racism! Opposing the invasion of illegal aliens is not bigotry. Not enforcing the immigration law is corruption. Mayor Pfeiler's negligence mirrors that of Bush, McCain, Kennedy, and Carol Lam. Mayor Pfeiler is a poliitical chameleon that will change views sufficient to blend into the political environment in which she resides. If she loses this election, she will be against illegal immigration in the next one.
To independent wrote on Nov 3, 2006 6:13 PM:if Lori is a "chameleon" (i'll have to trust you on the spelling) then why didn't she jump on the "kick'em outta town" train right of the bat? Or, she could have done like Tommy D. She couldn't have just waited to see which way the political wind blew then sail off with the majority. She stood for what she believes in. Agree or disagree with her, pal...but give her that much. She took a stand.
On Radio wrote on Nov 3, 2006 7:09 PM:Did you hear her on the Roger Hedgecock show today? She is against the rental ordinance but at the same time offers no solutions to control illegal immigration. I think she is in denial regarding the state of Escondido. According to her, things are fine and headed in the right direction. When asked her plans to control illegal immigration she stated it was a Federal issue. If she wants my vote she will need to show some initiative regarding this issue.
Independent wrote on Nov 3, 2006 7:22 PM:Pfeiler took a stand before she realized that the wind was blowing. Tom has flip-flopped on the issue. But today, he portrayed her as a DOOR MAT for illegal immigration. No one knows how this will play out on Tuesday. If Pfeiler loses this election, it will be because of her stand on illegal immigration. That is why I am voting for Tom. He got it right, as far as I am concerned. She HAS been a door mat, and I am tired of living with a burdens of illegal immigration that are reaching into the peace of my home!
Al wrote on Nov 3, 2006 8:38 PM:Her defiiance to vote for the needed rental ordinance will lose my vote. The last several years under her reign has been nothing more than kissing developer butts, ignoring landscaping improvements, ignoring the continued degradation of test scores in our public schools, ignoring the increase in ILLEGAL migration into EscoMexico and the stronger perception of Escondido as the ARMPIT of north county.This mayor is a LOSER in my eye's.
Flip Flop wrote on Nov 3, 2006 8:42 PM:Tom sat among those opposed to the rental ordinance in August. I know, he was sitting next to me. I was shocked to see his Flip which will hopefully lead to a Flop on election day.
Inkling wrote on Nov 3, 2006 9:17 PM:Lori equals NO action towards illegal immigration issues. Tom maybe a chance. I like my chances with Tom.
kc wrote on Nov 3, 2006 11:28 PM:The immigrant population ( is that a pc way to say it?) in Escondido has at least tripled sinced I moved here in 1992. The traffic has become a nightmare due to overbuilding, overcrowding, and poor planning , take a ride down Bear Valley any weekday morning. Some older parts of town have turned into big dumps. Crime has increased. The educational rankings of our schools have plummeted. When was the last time you heard that people move to Escondido for the great schools? Ha. "Skip" said "Thank goodness illegal aliens can't vote" Are you sure about that? Why do they get to go to our schools? Its time for a change. We need leadership. We need help. We don't want wishy washy.
EthnicStudent wrote on Nov 3, 2006 11:52 PM:I remember growing up and alot of my friend's families moved to Escondido because it was considered a beautiful place to live and the schools were excellent. Now? The heart of Escondido is a disease. I'd rather waste gas than drive through Mission, Washington, E. Valley. Everyday I drive past a grafitti infested abandoned house on E. Grand and I get the pleasure of looking a two giant signs for Lori Pfeiler and Tina Pope. I guess she considers that the pride and joy of her 14 year stint!!!
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