Carlsbad residents have been voting for Claude "Bud" Lewis since 1970, and they would be wise to vote for him again.

One of North County's patriarchs, Lewis has smartly guided Carlsbad's growth by pushing initiatives to make developers pay for roads and infrastructure and twice lowering the total number of houses that can be built in the city.

Lewis is pragmatic, and the success of the city is evidence of his leadership.

Sound fiscal policies have netted Carlsbad a massive $50 million general-fund reserve, and city spending regularly comes in under budget.

The mayor's support of the proposed Poseidon desalination plant is another reason Lewis should remain as the city's top official. He realizes that Southern California needs to find more sources for water, and his position on regional water boards hopefully will help get the project up and running. Carlsbad, and the region, should be thankful for his leadership. Lewis wants to stay on one more term to see the desal project to fruition.

Re-elect Bud Lewis as Carlsbad mayor.