During a forum on Wednesday, the two City Council candidates competing to represent some of San Diego’s most polluted neighborhoods near the U.S.-Mexico border each sought to position themselves as the candidate for change.
Antonio Martinez and Gerardo Ramirez are contenders in the Nov. 3 election to succeed Vivian Moreno, who is term-limited in District 8, which encompasses Barrio Logan, Nestor, San Ysidro, and the Tijuana River Valley.
The event was organized by the League of Women Voters, MANA de San Diego, and the San Ysidro Community and Economic Development Corp.
Neither candidate is new to politics.
Martinez, a member of the San Ysidro School District school board, led the primary with 5,375 votes. He has received an endorsement from the county Democratic party.
Ramirez, who serves as chief of staff to outgoing Moreno, secured second place in June and has been endorsed by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Building Industry Association, and a major construction labor union.
When asked how they would set themselves apart from one another, Ramirez labeled Martinez a career politician, while Martinez characterized Ramirez as a city bureaucrat.
“We don’t need more career politicians,” said Ramirez. “We need more community leadership.”
“I’m not a city bureaucrat; my opponent has spent 10 years at City Hall,” responded Martinez.
The forum’s questions primarily addressed bringing development and activities to the area.
Ramirez mentioned frequent concerns about parking and the absence of business corridors in the area, noting that District 8 has not received as much assistance as neighborhoods in the northern part of the city.
“We still have corridors that have looked the same for the past 20 or 25 years,” he stated.
Martinez described San Ysidro Boulevard as a “ghost town,” arguing it should be a bustling border crossing, and suggested the potential for mixed-use development.
“I want to collaborate with the San Ysidro Economic Corp. to create a catalyst for more economic development along that corridor,” he stated.
District 8 faces significant challenges due to the Tijuana River sewage crisis, which was a recurring topic throughout the forum.
Martinez emphasized that the crisis should have been addressed “yesterday,” highlighting the potential long-term health effects of the toxins being inhaled.
“It’s unacceptable that the city has done nothing and has not collaborated with the county,” he remarked.
Ramirez pointed out that the region suffers from both the sewage issue and air pollution from trucks at the border crossing, adding that the northern area of the district is further impacted by polluted waterfronts from ships.
“District 8 is among those most heavily affected by pollution,” he said.
Martinez argued that northern areas of the city have proper funding mechanisms for maintenance, and he pledges to establish similar funding in District 8 to ensure it receives its “fair share” from the city.
Ramirez suggested simplifying civic engagement by allowing residents to send letters about their preferences instead of requiring them to visit city hall downtown.
“We need to make it easier for people to get involved and unite against City Hall, as division will get us nowhere,” he stated.
In his closing statements, Martinez expressed a desire to collaborate with other southern region cities to obtain their “fair share” from agencies like the San Diego Association of Governments and the Metropolitan Transit System. He advised voters that if they are content with their neighborhoods and the city, they should vote for his opponent.
“You’ll get eight years of the same, but if you share my vision and frustrations, it’s time to vote for change, and we’re ready for it,” he concluded.
Ramirez countered that politicians make many promises, asking voters if they prefer someone experienced in actually balancing a budget at City Hall. He also highlighted the issue of growing income inequality.
“They aren’t providing substantial solutions, and we’ve had enough,” he stated. “We need to reform the system.”
