CHRIS WARD PLANNING AHEAD:
FOR SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 3 Todd Gloria is serving his last term as councilman for District
3 and while attending a community event recently I was speak- ing with Chris Ward, State Senator Marty Block’s chief of staff. I learned the affable 16-year resident is seeking to succeed Gloria and further serve the San Diego LGBT community. Being a writer, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity that just dropped into my lap and share the words we exchanged.
Chris, what are your community involvements? I am a board member of a community planning group that tack-
les land use and development issues for Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, Middletown, Mission Hills, and University Heights and on the Citizens Oversight Committee for the San Diego Community Col- lege District making certain voter-approved bonds and tax dol- lars marked for the improvement of colleges are spent properly. As a volunteer with the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, a LGBT community non profit and member of the San Diego GLBT Historic Task Force, I serve my community proudly. Why run for city council? The person who represents my community matters; facilitating state and local relationships has been incredible, but I am eager
by william e kelly
to focus my public service locally. My state level service was a great experience, but city services are what bring a high quality of life to our neighborhoods. I have a background in environmental planning and serving on city council would marry my passions for constituent services, community planning, and policy develop- ment. They are the fundamental base of any council member serving our dynamic district. Your website says that you want to “move San Diego forward.” How? Leading city government in the 21st century requires accessible and transpar-
ent processes, which are responsive and accountable to the public. San Diego can be a role model for good government. It once had that image as one of America’s most well run cities. It is going to require excellence in service and new ways of delivering to restore that image. I am excited about making that happen. What are the priorities of District 3? Broadly defined, infrastructure remains a key priority. Replacing water and
sewer lines before they deteriorate and burst, modernizing our transportation options, and fixing deteriorating streets and sidewalks is a necessity. With retire- ments looming and retention rates low, maintaining well-trained police and fire personnel is also a strong focus as is improving library services and neighborhood parks. Ever-present homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing in District 3
is unacceptable. The high cost of real estate and rental units shut out seniors who have lived here their whole lives as well as young adults trying to gain a foothold. Innovative businesses want to locate back in the urban core—they need to know they have neighborhoods that will interest their workforce—there is a lot of vision in the East Village to do just that. The issues to solve as a community are many, but District 3 has had strong leadership to address these issues and more, and I would continue that trend. Can district needs be balanced with citywide needs? In the abstract, decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis with full public
participation. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions. I pledge to be accessible to all of my constituents and make city government more accessible to all San Diegans, ensuring that everyone receives fair treatment. Is it important that the next District 3 city council member be openly LGBT? Absolutely. Progress in the LGBT community over the last 20 years is largely the
result of our own stepping up for leadership positions as elected officials, role models and mentors. There remain kids today in San Diego who do not have the support needed as they struggle with their identity. They need to know they too can have a healthy life, achieve great things and take pride in themselves. They look to role models who show them this is possible. It is said, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” And it’s still true. I point to attacks this year on reproductive rights for women and legislation permitting refusal of service for LGBT persons at restaurants or businesses. Openly LGBT officials can and do contribute to a broader network nationwide. What personal quality would you never compromise? Integrity. If I can’t be an honest and trustworthy public servant, I cannot in good faith serve the people whom I ask to elect me.
For more information on Chris Ward go
tovoteforward.com.
MAY 2014
MAY 2014 | | RAGE monthly
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