Chris Cate on Thursday became the first San Diego City Council candidate to turn in nominating papers to the clerk's office ahead of next week's deadline.
He also received an endorsement from San Diego Mayor-elect Kevin Faulconer. The two share an interest in continuing fiscal reforms started under former Mayor Jerry Sanders.
"We worked hard over the past decade to pass a lot of voter-approved reforms -- pension reform, competing city services, streamlining government," Cate said. "All those things are important, because we can use those savings to reinvest back in our neighborhoods -- the infrastructure, police services, parks, libraries -- all those things are important to taxpayers."
Faulconer said Cate has the experience, energy and community relationships that will make him successful. He was a member of Faulconer's City Council staff during his first term.
Cate, vice president of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, is running for the District 6 seat being vacated by Councilwoman Lorie Zapf, who will try for reelection in District 2.
Prospective opponents who have taken out nominating papers include special education assistant Jane Glasson, education consultant Carol Kim, community and veterans activist De Le, former San Diego Unified School District Trustee Mitz Lee and Keith Wong.
Zapf lived in District 6 when she was elected in 2010, but her residence ended up in District 2 after redistricting changed council boundaries. District 2 will be vacated by Faulconer when he is inaugurated on Monday.
The City Council will have 30 days to appoint a successor who is not interested in running for the seat this year.
