Sound: Experiments in Sound
Ladies and gents, Bob Filner
In response to your Feb. 1 editorial, “What’s Filner waiting for?”: More than just working-class San Diegans will need to get out and vote for Democrat Bob Filner for mayor if he’s to be one of two winners in the June primary election.
And, by the way, Filner’s charming and funny—not “irascible,” that tired old U-T San Diego reflexive slur that’s not what we expect from liberal CityBeat.
I think Filner will make a great mayor based on his distinguished political past and his energy. He was a history professor at SDSU. As president of San Diego Unified School District’s Board of Education, he brought us the best and longest-serving superintendent of schools we’ve ever had. He was elected to San Diego City Council during a progressive moment and afterward to the U.S. Congress, where he has admirably represented for many years veterans and the other interests of a changing district in South Bay and eastward into Imperial County.
Up to now, Filner has demonstrated the smarts, the integrity, the drive and the essential experience that uniquely qualify him to lead this town out of its dark present. But CityBeat is right: Filner needs to introduce himself to newcomers of all types who will vote, but may not yet know his strongest points.
Frances O’Neill Zimmerman, La Jolla
No hope for San Diego
Regarding your Feb. 1 editorial, “What’s Filner waiting for”: Stop wondering. Filner does not have a chance in hell of winning. Now, don’t get me wrong. If Filner were to win, I would be giddy. However, let’s give you a dose of reality. When was the last time the San Diego people elected a decent mayor? They had their chance with Donna Frye, but they passed.
San Diegans have this really bad habit of electing horrible leaders. Sure, there are a few good ones here and there, but looking at the big picture, the history seems pretty sad. I have little hope that the voters will wake up this time around and elect somebody decent. In my opinion, in November, we are going to choose between Carl De- Maio and somebody else.
My vote is for anybody but DeMaio. And, yes, that would include (cough, cough) good ol’ Bonnie Dumanis. If DeMaio takes the office, expect more cutbacks and for the city to be given away to his Republican donors. Hell, he’s already going after the pension system, and city employees can kiss that goodbye when DeMaio takes over. I’m only left to wonder which Republican donor is going to get rich off of all that pension money. I’m certainly not going to get my library hours extended, unless, of course, DeMaio auctions them to the highest bidder. And, even then I have little hope.
I wish I was not so cynical. But watching DeMaio over the years, and looking at the history of the voters in San Diego, my view is pretty bleak. I hope I’m wrong and Filner steps up his game. But even then, it will be a total miracle to pull off. So, this fall, my words will be “anybody but DeMaio.”
Mike Peterson, North Park
Don’t celebrate, prosecute
Regarding your Feb. 22 editorial urging San Diego to hold a parade for Iraq War veterans: The Iraq War was a United Nations-condemned war crime, and it should not be celebrated.
What we need is a protest march by veterans for prosecution of those who started the war. They’re already on trial or condemned by other countries—it is time to do it here.
And bring out the entire 9/11 truth that steel buildings do not freefall from airplane fires.
Val Sanfilippo, Linda Vista
