TWO DISTRICT 4 SUPERVISOR CANDIDATE FORUMS ARE SET

Two upcoming candidate events sponsored by the League of Women Voters of San Diego and by Hillcrest residents will offer voters a chance to meet contenders in the special election for District 4 county supervisor.

Four candidates have launched campaigns for the seat — two Democrats, and two Republicans. They are San Diego City Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe, veterans advocate Janessa Goldbeck, Reopen San Diego founder Amy Reichert and, as of this month, Paul Mcquigg, a retired Marine gunnery sergeant who describes himself as a moderate Republican.

Hillcrest community leaders Benny Cartwright and Rick Cervantes will host a gathering on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. to introduce voters to the four candidates for the open seat. The event will take place at Rich’s San Diego, at 1051 University Ave.

The League of Women

Voters will hold a forum on Saturday, July 8, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at the City Heights Recreation Center on 4380 Landis St. Candidates “will respond to your questions regarding the needs and concerns of the community,” the event announcement said.

The District 4 seat has been empty since former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher resigned last month, after being accused of sexual assault and harassment in a lawsuit filed by a woman who worked for the Metropolitan Transit System while he was chair of the agency’s board. Fletcher has admitted to what he characterized as inappropriate behavior but denied her allegations.

The county will hold an election Aug. 15 to replace him, with a potential runoff Nov. 7 if no candidate gets a majority of the vote. The compressed timeline means voters will receive mail ballots starting July 16 and can cast ballots in person at some vote centers starting Aug. 5.