I HAVE THE COURAGE TO NOT HIDE FROM HARD CHOICES
I have always found the greatest strength in governing lies in being open, honest and transparent with the public and earning the public’s trust to make the best decisions.
This approach was the strength behind our underdog run for City Council. It was the strength behind our unanimous, bipartisan support at council for police accountability with Measure B, and the coalition that helped pass it at the ballot box. It was the strength behind the fight for equitable coronavirus relief funds for small businesses owned by women and people of color. If we’re honest about what’s happening, you — the people — show up to fix it. You hold me, and the entire City Council, accountable.
I announced last month that I am seeking the role of City Council president. I thought long and hard about it. This role hasn’t been kind to the people who have filled it. It divides attention and time between representing the district that elected you and the needs of the entire city. It’s grueling. My staff and I decided to take the leap anyway. Here’s why:
In our system of checks and balances, San Diego chose to have a “Strong Mayor, Strong Council” form of government. The mayor serves as the executive branch and the council serves as the legislative branch. We’ve seen both locally and federally what happens when there isn’t a strong check against executive power. From 101 Ash Street to illegitimate Supreme Court appointments — the failings of a weak legislative branch cost us all.
The City Council president sets the agenda for the council and appoints the leadership roles for council committees. There is great power in that responsibility. The power of the council presidency belongs in the hands of leaders who channel the will of the people.
There has been a lot of disdain around my decision to take this public. But let me be clear, there has always been outside inf luence on the vote for the council presidency. Political insiders have always pressured councilmembers — pulling levers of power to pick the person who best represents their agenda. The difference is this time they can’t do it in the dark. The people deserve to know how their city functions and to have a voice in who leads it. Now there is a broader, more inclusive, more diverse discussion. This is democracy.
We are facing an unprecedented economic crisis, an unprecedented public health crisis, an affordable housing crisis, a climate crisis, a crisis of conscience in the handling of our unsheltered population, and, quite frankly, a crisis in courageous leadership.
It is not business as usual at City Hall. To limit exposure to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, we have moved to a completely virtual dais, with public testimony being provided via a call-in system. We are forced to address policy-making, tackle constituent issues, address the needs of the community and remain accessible, all while working remotely. For me, this discussion around the council presidency hinges on the two pillars of public leadership — trust and courage.
Who can we trust to be bold in the face of myriad crises? Who has the courage to not hide from hard choices? Who has the perspective to lead in a post-George Floyd, racially charged political environment? Who has demonstrated the ability to be a consensus builder on hard things the city has delayed for years, even decades?
For two years, I have led honest conversations around hard topics, pushed us to see each other as human beings and to treat everyone equitably and with dignity. I believe we must confront and address the truth of what we know and what we see happening in our city. If we are to solve problems for the people of San Diego, if we are to truly be a city for all of us, we must face these realities head-on.
There are hard days and hard decisions ahead of us. People are hurting, and we won’t be able to fix everything, but we can make a choice to try. We can make a choice to dare to do things differently — to work hand in hand with the people to make life better for everyone.
I believe in my council colleagues. I believe in the newly elected leaders who ran on bold solutions to the problems their districts — and our city — are facing. I genuinely look forward to working with them, no matter what happens with the council presidency, to support our communities and help people. I believe in San Diego’s ability
to get through this, together.
For two years, I have led honest conversations on difficult topics.
Montgomery Steppe
U-T