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Politics

Reconsidering Steve Francis

First, Steve Francis caught my eye with a major endorsement from the Sierra Club . He actually spoke out publicly against a bridge project slated to run through scenic Rose Canyon. & Promoting open space in San Diego may be popular today, but in the not so distant past, politicians, especially Republican mayoral candidates, were practically called communists for supporting such measures. Back then, the nasty catch phrase "smart growth" was to liberals what "going green" is to (some) Republicans today. Preserving whatever open space San Diego has left is a huge priority for this little Dem voting in City Heights. &

Is it a big issue for you, dear voter?

Then, Mr. Francis came a-wooing with his strong opposition to a recent Blackwater Worldwide zoning permit. The city-approved permit allows the multinational private militia, er, security firm a big space for their controversial training facility center. Nothing says "vote for me" like telling Blackwater to hit the road out of America's Finest City. Get out and stay out, Blackwater.

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Granted, Mr. Francis may have gone a little overboard by suggesting Mayor Sanders was improperly influenced and gave preferential treatment to his lobbyist ties when the city granted the zoning permit. However, suggesting an independent party conduct an investigation into whether Blackwater misrepresented their interests seems completely reasonable to me.

A big plus for Mayor Sanders (originally my first and only choice for mayor), is the personal and professional courage he displayed during his 2007 speech supporting his daughter and gay marriage. He did it at the same time he announced his re-election bid , which makes the stance even more impressive. &

In the end, while my ears perked up this week with many of the endorsement-notches added to Steve Francis' campaign belt, he hasn't won this voter over completely. He's still a Republican for one, and that makes me suspicious of the grassroots message promoted on the website. And as Chuck pointed out, he is saying "no new taxes," but many of his programs depend on doing just that. &

Given that Mrs. Right isn't running for office, do you think finding Mr. Right is possible this election cycle?

-Citizen Voices blogger Alma Sove has spent most of her life in San Diego and is currently attending law school.