Scott’s response on Hueso post
Regarding this post from yesterday, Scott Lewis got back to me (sorry Scott—I know you’re a busy guy). For my fellow political wonks, here’s his response. It’s good stuff:
First things first: Were you calling Hueso stupid in your post? That’s bold. (Author’s note: I definitely wasn’t saying that. Just said he’s not always so articulate. I was referring only to his public-speaking skills.)
As for my post. It’s just the sense I’ve gotten. If you and FONZ don’t agree, fine. Hueso has significant support among those in labor – more than anyone else on the council now. (His position on the Coastal Commission is no accident after all). And he seems amenable to the mayor, who’s support might matter to Republican voters on the council. Remember, the mayor never endorsed the Republican who ran against Hueso way back when. My comments were in no way an endorsement of Hueso for the post – in fact, I do believe I was criticizing him at the time, no?
A lot depends on who actually makes the choice. Is it the old council or the new council? Is it the old council and THEN the new council changes?
I believe that the council needs to serve as a powerful check on the mayor and that Hueso hasn’t proven he can provide that (and how bad would it get if he somehow needed the mayor to get the job). Frye would obviously be better in that role of loyal opposition and challenge. As for Tony Young, I like Young a lot and have said so. He’s been reluctant at times to speak his mind and lead, though, which I think is a necessary quality. He pretends as though the press conference is some kind of bad thing, for example. Hueso hasn’t led on anything citywide, either. I understand that.
But when I wrote that Hueso appeared to be heading into this little race with a head of steam, I was imagining San Diego as it is, not San Diego as I would like it to be.
