John McCann says Appoint Russ Hall to his Council Seat
August 25, 2009 at 2:39 PM
In an August 13, 2009 phone call from Iraq, McCann encouraged veteran community leader and former 2008 City Council Candidate Russ Hall to file for the City Council interim vacancy created when he was called up to serve his country in July. McCann has made it clear that he endorses Hall since he was the runner-up in the recent General Election. McCann known as the fiscal conservative at City Hall, was the only member of City Council to oppose the recently proposed sales tax increase Proposition "A" and propose budgetary reforms. Both of which the current four councilmembers have been on polar ideological opposites with McCann. When McCann learned of his deployment he suggested should the council decide it wishes to appoint an interim representative to his seat that the council adopt the "Sunnyvale solution"--appoints the highest vote getter in the most recent election as done in Sunnyvale, CA where a similar situation arose. An out pour of residents and business and community leaders in the Chula Vista Civic Association have argued this approach, if adopted consistently, would most honor the will and intent of voters, and prevent possible back-room deals.
McCann also feels that Hall shares his political views and would be the best appointment to represent the 67% constituency that voted against higher taxes in the recent special election.
Members of the public have overwhelmingly stated that though the seat belongs to the City of Chula Vista, it is the voters that elected Councilmember McCann twice because it is he that clearly represents their views and do not want to see the council appoint someone completely opposite. To do so, many argue, would be a testiment of politics as usual.
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