S.D. City Attorney : The Times Endorses * John Witt

Incumbent John Witt, with 24 years of service under his belt, is the better candidate in the race for the city attorney’s office. Witt has done a credible job of keeping politics out of the office. His challenger, former City Councilman Bruce Henderson, too often used rhetoric and grandstanding in pursuit of his council objectives--and this approach is wholly unsuitable for the city attorney’s office.

Prop. A

The Times Recommends * a NO Vote

This measure would prohibit the mayor, city attorney and all City Council members from serving more than two consecutive four-year terms in office. Aside from the questionable legality of setting term limits at the municipal level, in reality this measure would have little practical effect. Very few have historically stayed in office longer than the limits would have allowed. In the current mind-set of let’s-get-rid-of-the-bums, setting term limits might make voters feel good. But it falls way short of the serious reforms needed.

Prop. C

The Times Recommends * a YES Vote

This measure would place the once-in-a-decade responsibility for redistricting into the hands of an independent citizens group, appointed by the presiding judge of the Municipal Court. It’s an honorable way to avoid a fiasco like the one that erupted last year during the San Diego City Council’s redistricting war. Under Proposition C, the council would be required to adopt the panel’s map without making changes.

Prop. F

The Times Recommends * a NO Vote

This measure asks voters to ratify the City Council’s decision to sell the Mt. Soledad cross, as well as a small parcel of parkland around it, to a nonprofit organization. A federal court ordered that the cross be removed, arguing that it violated the principle of separation of church and state. This measure is an attempt to sidestep the court’s ruling and is not worthy of voters’ support.

Prop. N

The Times Recommends * a YES Vote

FALLBROOK UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT: This is a tough economic year to recommend tax increases, but schools are not the place to skimp. Prop. N would help alleviate crowding in Fallbrook’s one high school. The $20 million raised would help fund a very modest school expansion program.

Prop. O

The Times Recommends * a YES Vote

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT: This measure would implement a property tax increase approved by voters in 1974. The money raised, up to $215 million over 11 years, would be used for remodeling and expanding schools, some of which are very crowded.

50th Congress

The Times Endorses * Bob Filner

There is an embarrassment of riches in the Democratic primary race for the 50th District. In the field of six qualified candidates, San Diego City Councilman Bob Filner has an edge over the rest. His sharp intellect, aggressiveness and the high energy level he will bring to the job qualify him for our endorsement.

73rd Assembly

The Times Endorses * Bud Lewis

One bright light shines through in the increasingly nasty contest for the Republican nomination in the 73rd Assembly District. That light is Carlsbad Mayor Claude A. (Bud) Lewis. Lewis, first elected to City Council in 1970, has been a force behind the city’s well-respected growth management plan. He combines experience, good temperament and thoughtfulness, making him the best qualified candidate for the job.

75th Assembly

The Times Endorses * Jan Goldsmith

In this lopsidedly Republican district, the strongest candidate is Poway Mayor Jan Goldsmith. He is particularly well-regarded for his expertise on transportation policy, a critical issue since the Interstate 15 corridor will soon be among the most congested in the state. Goldsmith’s proven record of consensus building is far preferable to the divisive zealotry of Connie Youngkin, his strongest opponent in the race. We endorse Goldsmith.

77th Assembly

The Times Endorses * Greg Cox

In this heavily Republican district, the winner in the Republican primary will almost certainly be the victor in November. We endorse Greg Cox, a former Chula Vista mayor and council member. Cox, who recently resigned as deputy director of the governor’s Office of Planning and Research, also served in a variety of governmental groups, including the San Diego Assn. of Governments and the League of California Cities. He understands the importance of cooperative governance, is knowledgeable about the problems facing municipalities, and holds moderate, mainstream views.

Escondido Municipal Races

The Times Endorses * Jerry Harmon, Carla DeDominicis, Rick Foster and Elmer Cameron

Four years ago, Escondido voters put the brakes on runaway development by electing a slow-growth majority to City Hall. Despite doom-and-gloom predictions, the coalition has sensibly controlled growth without causing an economic meltdown. This year, Mayor Jerry C. Harmon faces a token challenge by P.K. (Pat) Walker, a self-employed bookkeeper and losing City Council candidate in 1988. And nine candidates are running for three seats on the Escondido City Council. We endorse Harmon for mayor and incumbents Carla DeDominicis and Rick Foster for City Council. We also endorse challenger Elmer C. Cameron for the open third council seat. Cameron’s knack for mediating conflicts will be a welcome addition to the Escondido City Council.

Endorsement Policy

Times policy is not to endorse in every race, but to express our preferences selectively. In districts that are dominated by one party, endorsements are made among that party’s primary candidates.