County District 3 Supervisor Race Heats Up with Incumbent vs. Challenger
The race for San Diego County’s District 3 supervisor seat has reached a boiling point as incumbent Terra Lawson-Remer and former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer faced off in a heated candidate forum on Monday night. The candidates tackled pressing issues such as homelessness, housing, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis, all of which have significant implications for the future of the county.
Stakes High as Balance of Power Hangs in the Balance
The outcome of this race could potentially shift the balance of power on the board of supervisors. Lawson-Remer, a Democrat, is fighting to maintain the board’s Democratic majority, while Faulconer, a moderate Republican, is aiming to flip the seat. Both candidates are determined to secure victory and bring their vision for the county to fruition.
During the forum in Carlsbad, Lawson-Remer wasted no time in criticizing Faulconer’s record on homelessness. She pointed out that under Faulconer’s leadership, homelessness in San Diego doubled, and he was responsible for a major financial debacle in the city. Faulconer, on the other hand, accused Lawson-Remer of inaction, emphasizing the need for decisive leadership in addressing critical issues facing the county.
Homelessness and Housing in Spotlight
The issue of homelessness has emerged as a central theme in the supervisor race, particularly in North County where there has been a noticeable increase in homeless individuals. Both candidates offered their perspectives on how to tackle this crisis, with Faulconer advocating for getting people off the streets and into shelters, while Lawson-Remer stressed the importance of tailored solutions for different demographics.
In addition to homelessness, housing affordability continues to be a pressing concern for residents in District 3. The candidates shared their plans for addressing this issue, with Faulconer highlighting the need for more affordable housing options and Lawson-Remer emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to ensure housing stability for all residents.
SANDAG Mileage Tax and Tijuana River Sewage Crisis
The debate also delved into the contentious topic of the SANDAG mileage tax, which has sparked debate among residents and politicians. Lawson-Remer defended her stance against the tax, citing her votes against it both at the SANDAG board and as a county supervisor. Faulconer, however, accused her of inconsistency, claiming that she initially supported the tax before changing her position.
Another critical issue discussed during the forum was the ongoing Tijuana River sewage crisis, which has had detrimental effects on South Bay residents. Lawson-Remer highlighted her efforts to secure $400 million in funding to address the crisis, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Faulconer, while acknowledging the severity of the crisis, called for a faster pace of progress in finding solutions to mitigate the pollution affecting local communities.
Supporters Weigh In on Candidates
Following the candidate forum, supporters of both Lawson-Remer and Faulconer shared their perspectives on the race. Roseanne Sharp, a Lawson-Remer supporter, commended her candidate’s diverse background and data-driven approach to governance. On the other hand, Eleanor Thompson, a Faulconer supporter, expressed a desire for change and voiced her support for Faulconer’s common-sense policies.
As the Nov. 5 election draws near, both candidates are working tirelessly to secure the support of undecided voters and key constituencies. Democrats are rallying labor groups behind Lawson-Remer, while Republicans are targeting law enforcement advocates and business communities in their efforts to bolster Faulconer’s campaign.
In conclusion, the race for San Diego County’s District 3 supervisor seat is shaping up to be a closely contested battle with significant implications for the county’s future. As Lawson-Remer and Faulconer continue to make their case to voters, it remains to be seen which candidate will emerge victorious and chart the course for the county in the years to come.