1. The current and previous mayor have long argued that Chula Vista is well managed. A conservative think tank agrees that the city has far fewer budget issues than several neighboring cities. What has the city done right? Where can it do better?
Since being elected to the City Council in 2002, and now serving as mayor, I have consistently championed sound financial decisions, improving the quality of life for our residents. I prioritize funding for public safety, affordable city services, new and improved parks, and critical road repairs and street upgrades through the city’s budget process. That leadership is why I earned the endorsement of the Chula Vista Firefighters and Chula Vista Police Officers Association.
I also led comprehensive budget reforms to ensure Chula Vista’s long-term fiscal sustainability. These efforts include increasing the city’s reserves to 15%, refinancing bond debt and significantly reducing unfunded pension liabilities, saving taxpayers $14 million annually. As a result, our budget is balanced, maintaining strong reserves and protecting city services without layoffs.
In contrast, my opponent supported decisions leading to the layoff of 41 classroom teachers and a $33 million budget deficit at the Chula Vista Elementary School District.
Chula Vista must stay the course, remaining fiscally strong while investing in public safety, infrastructure, and responsible growth.
2. What is your view of the perception that newer, master-planned developments in eastern Chula Vista are favored by city officials over older, western neighborhoods?
As a lifelong Chula Vista resident who grew up in western Chula Vista, I believe every part of our city deserves attention, and that has been my focus as mayor. Neighborhoods on the east have master-planned growth, and we recognize that communities on the west have different needs. These neighborhoods benefit from reinvestment by upgrading streets, improving parks and strengthening public safety.
I have delivered on building two new fire stations in the west, reducing response times and keeping the community safer.
I led the renovation efforts of Harborside Park. It had been taken over by drug dealers and homeless people. Some council members wanted to replace it with apartments, but I fought alongside the community, and we prevailed. The park was upgraded and reopened, restoring an important community asset to our underserved west side. Recently, we opened the new Sweetwater Park, renovated Lauderbach Park and approved two new parks in the west — Citrus Bay and Patty Davis.
3. For a decade, local and state politicians have said making housing more affordable is a top priority. Why has there been so little progress?
Chula Vista is building new homes, but not every city in the region has kept pace with housing production. That imbalance puts additional pressure on communities like ours that are building. I have always prioritized having affordable homes for sale for families to build a foundation in Chula Vista.
I’m proud that Chula Vista is one of the more affordable cities in this area. We’ve approved thousands of new homes, both rental and for sale, especially in transit-oriented areas and planned communities. However, housing affordability is driven largely by supply and demand, and demand across the region continues to outpace available housing. At the same time, state-imposed regulations, coupled with rising construction costs, have made building new homes more expensive, driving up prices.
Chula Vista is encouraging thoughtful development, increasing housing options and streamlining processes where possible. Addressing affordability means continuing to build while also ensuring growth is balanced, sustainable and aligned with community needs.
4. What is an issue that you believe deserves more attention?
Housing affordability and small business sustainability deserve greater attention because they are deeply connected to the health of our community. When housing costs rise, essential workers — teachers, first responders and service employees — are pushed out of the city they serve. At the same time, small businesses face increasing pressure from higher rents and operating costs, threatening the character and economic vitality of our neighborhoods.
I support housing solutions, expanding economic opportunities and making it easier for businesses to grow through streamlined permitting. Continued investment in major projects has created local jobs and strengthened our tax base, while infrastructure improvements and public safety enhancements have made Chula Vista one of the safest large cities in the country.
Go to johnmccann.com for more information about the candidate.