Ugly Commentary from Elected Officials’ Staff on Serious Local Issues – Why?
This past week, I saw direct comments from the chief of staff for an elected city official that shocked and upset me more than I expected. Though I had been reviewing previous emails on various topics, after seeing the comments from this chief of staff, communicating rather rudely to a member of the community, I had to respond.
What I am observing and learning is that the staff of our elected officials (mayor and down), have a growing tendency to speak in a derogatory manner to their constituents. And if you don’t agree with them, you become the enemy. Unfortunately, this appears to be the direct result of a “movement” being led by many elected officials throughout the state of California.
It appears to be associated with the YIMBY movement that has become very radical. If you don’t agree or side with their philosophy, you are the enemy. There is no middle ground. It’s also counter to providing a civil and neutral environment for quality discussion and outcomes, perhaps outcomes that can benefit most of the public at large.
In a civil society, our elected officials would focus on creating a respectful, non-judgmental space where all participants feel safe to contribute. This means encouraging and soliciting active participation and dialogue and offering neutral facilitation techniques that focus on the process rather than a specific outcome.
Unfortunately, as we are experiencing daily throughout the City of San Diego, it is just the opposite, which is why the city is in a dire situation and protests, rallies and lawsuits are the new norm for those residing here.
As a point of reference, here are some of the issues that San Diegans have addressed with no cooperation from their elected officials:
- SB79, which gives more power to the state to take control of land use issues and allow builders to create apartment buildings within a mile of transit corridors in all residential communities. Reality is that investors are doing a land grab to take home ownership out of the realm of possibility for San Diegans, especially families. This means more San Diegans will face rental increases that may price them out of the market. And land values continue to rise because of this.
- Solid Waste Collection Fee proposed by the city that has doubled in less than a year with funds to be used for purposes other than trash collection. 15 plaintiffs are a part of a lawsuit to oppose the trash fee as proposed because it charges for services not rendered. On October 10, 2025, the judge presiding over this case will hear from the attorneys representing the plaintiffs and attorneys representing the city.
- City of San Diego Lawsuits on the rise due to lack of review and action by elected officials and city staff:
- Litigation due to one of its dams being rated in poor condition by the State of California.
- 2024 Flooding Litigation. The city is still facing lawsuits and has filed countersuits related to the extensive flooding that occurred in January 2024, with some residents alleging the city’s storm drains were not properly maintained. The city is now counter suing and blaming the residents for their home damage.
- Eight people who have been living at San Diego’s safe sleeping sites designated for homeless people alleged in a lawsuit filed this month. The complaint filed in San Diego federal court seeks a court- ordered remedy for “inaccessible and inhumane conditions” at the two safe sleeping lots near Balboa Park. The lawsuit names the city of San Diego as a defendant, along with Dreams for Change and the Downtown San Diego Partnership, which help operate the lots.
- Rise in Utility Bills: Utility costs are rising in San Diego for residents, with significant increases in water and proposed increases for electricity and gas from SDG&E. Proposed water rate hikes could exceed 60 percent by 2029 to cover infrastructure costs.
The purpose of sharing all of this is to make a valid point about the state of affairs in our city, which is dire and dismal. That’s probably why staff members are quick to react negatively to those not in step with their way of thinking and actions.
In the business world, we show respect for those who we are here to serve. Our elected officials should “own” what they are responsible for creating and be ready and willing to act accordingly, giving us due time to meet with them as needed on important local issues that impact the lives of many.
It’s time for our local government officials to stand with its people rather than treating us like the enemy. Successful collaboration is possible with cooperation and respectful dialogue.
Category: featured, Government, Local News
