Fostering Change in San Diego
The last few months have been some of the busiest of my life. I want to give everyone an update as to what is going on. Because, as many of you know there have been a lot of water cooler discussion as to what it is both myself, and my organization will be working on. Right now, I see an incredibly apparent need for reform throughout much of San Diego. But, due to current community outrage, we need to set our sights on El Cajon. Former State Senator Wadie Deddeh, who served as the first Chaldean to hold public office wrote an op-ed detailing this very need.
In it he described numerous reasons areas of injustice occurring against the vast array of minorities in the city. This includes the fact that there has not been one black city council member in El Cajon’s history despite there being a very large African American population in the city.
Councilwoman Bales, who votes against having a Chaldean American month was cherry picked due to her past standing as disgraced Mayor Mark Lewis’ campaign manager. She was picked for an unprecedented three-year term despite calls for an election. El Cajon is one of the poorest cities in the county, yet their city manager makes over $200,000 a year. There has been nothing to support diversity, LGBT rights, or transparency.
Obviously, something needs to be changed to clean up El Cajon. Currently, I am working with the ACLU in building the proper strategy to greater representation for minorities in the area. This could include numerous different options, which I will detail you in on for a later date.
With this being said, while some of our work is being dedicated to cleaning up El Cajon, we must also pay attention to the larger problems within the whole of San Diego. Small business growth, affordable housing, and youth programs are some of the most important areas that need fixing. I can’t tell you how disappointing it is to drive through a small business community only to find bordered up windows, and tarnished old walls. Small businesses lead to the growth of neighborhoods. They are the backbone with which a community flourishes.
We can no longer be content with the minimum from those we elect. My guarantee to you is that, I will ensure the interests of mom and pop storeowners are met. Because, I have seen entrepreneurship in action. And I can say without a shred of doubt, that investment in business is investment in the future.
Be sure to check out this op-ed by Senator Deddeh when you have a chance:
Warmest Regards,
Mark Arabo