Councilmember Henry Foster is fighting for his seat on San Diego\u2019s City Council in a nail-biter race. The District 4 representative stands firm in his votes over his tenure on the council so far, and has some strong feelings about the strong mayor form of government. He sat down with NBC 7 Political Reporter Joey Safchik on Politically Speaking this week. <\/p>\n
A transcript of the interview is below.<\/p>\n
Safchik: On the San Diego City Council. An incumbent is defending his seat, and a challenger appears to be putting up quite the offensive fight. Today we’re looking at district four, including Encanto, Mountain View and Paradise Hills. Council member Henry Foster hopes to continue speaking for those communities. He’s here with me now to tell us why he should. Thank you for being here.<\/p>\n
Foster: Oh my pleasure. Happy to be here.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Why do you think this race has gotten so heated? It came down to 12 votes between you in the primary.<\/p>\n
Foster: Well, I think it’s just an indication of what’s taking place at the federal level with our current president and folks just being frustrated, frustrated on the cost of living, frustrated on gas prices. And just, frustrated, not being heard. And so, I think competition is good. And I think there’s an opportunity, and just an opportunity, opportunity to further engage with the community.<\/p>\n
Safchik: You feel like they’re taking out their frustrations with those federal policies on you, perhaps?<\/p>\n
Foster: I wouldn’t say that they’re taking it out on me. I think they’re just engaging. And I think they are looking to make sure their voices are heard, and I think it’s a positive thing. I think competition is good. I’m hoping to see an increase in the numbers of engagement. I believe during the primary, we were roughly around 20,000 voters that engaged. But I’m hoping to see a substantial increase in that number. I think it’s important. I think the midterms are, the election cycle at the federal level is important. I think what we have going on at the state is important. And of course, at the local level, I think it is very, very important.<\/p>\n
Safchik: What has this steep competition pushed you to evaluate about yourself and your positions?<\/p>\n
Foster: I think it’s just a matter of making sure that I’m doing everything I can in regards to voter contact to make sure that everyone understands and is informed. I think there’s a lot of misinformation out there. I think there’s been efforts to intentionally misinform my community. I think there’s a lot of outside forces that have come in to help with that misinformation.<\/p>\n
And I’m just there to meet with my neighbors, to fellowship with my neighbors and to make sure they have a clear understanding.<\/p>\n
Safchik: What have you accomplished over the last two years in this seat that you think should give voters confidence that they should reelect you?<\/p>\n
Foster: Well, I think that’s an excellent question. One, I think I am bringing a level of accountability and transparency to city government that I think, has not been seen to this level. I think it shows every day. On how I approached my job on the dias. I am very, very pointed with my line of questioning. I am looking to see where we can make improvements in deploying our core services, because that’s what’s important to our community to make sure our infrastructure is being taken care of. And to make sure things like the 2024 floods do not happen again. But when you talk about the accomplishments, one, we all need to understand we’ve been in a budget deficit for decades. But with a budget deficit, I’ve been able to make some significant improvements within the community. One, that I’m very proud of, was bringing the Oak Park library, the new Oak Park Library, to construction. Also, proud to say that, that’s a $37 million project. Doing a deficit, able to make sure that we had 100%, construction funding. I think that speaks to my expertise and my dedication. Also, we have a very significant project that’s going to be happening on Streamview Drive. I think if you go back in time, there were some stories where we had vehicles that were actually becoming projectiles on that block. And so we have a $64 million project that is going to, improve, Streamview Drive and bring some important infrastructure, some green infrastructure and some public safety improvements. So I think that’s very significant. And also just what we’ve been able to do in the black arts and culture district. One thing that we have done, I am so proud to say that we brought back, what I want to say, a legacy event. And that was the Encanto Street Fair. We have rebranded the Encanto Block Party and Music Festival, and we had about 1500 residents out, enjoying the community fellowship in, in the district. And I think that’s what I’m looking to see happen. Within our community, that fellowship, that level of love and attention, throughout the district.<\/p>\n
Safchik: There are some folks who say the city government should be taking care of homelessness and infrastructure and housing. Why did you feel that library project and arts and culture funding were priorities in your district?<\/p>\n
Foster: Well, because I think if you look at what has been on the table as we’ve been going through the structural deficit, one area that seems to be a point of contention is immediately cutting our libraries, our park and rec hours. For me, we live in a community that needs every opportunity for our young people to have a safe place, a place where they could go, do their homework, learn, and focus on their education. Yes, streets, roads, infrastructure, homeless are important, but we also need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to invest in our youth to make sure that they have every opportunity. One thing I said when I ran for this office is that I want to make sure, as I grew up in district four, as I have been able to reach the level of success that I have been able to achieve. I want to make sure every family, every young person has that same opportunity that I have.<\/p>\n
Safchik: How would you describe your reputation as a council member?<\/p>\n
Foster: I think, firm but fair, I think is a very, very, simple characterization. I love my community. I know my community. When I was a young boy, I made my way throughout the community by walking. Riding a bike or a skateboard. And so, back when I was coming up, not too many places you can go where neighbors didn’t know you were neighbors. Make sure you did what you were supposed to do and stayed away from those things that you were not to be involved in. And so for me, I think that’s critical. And, everything I do every day, every day, I start with one question, and that’s what’s in the best interest of district four. And as I do my analysis, my due diligence and work with the team and the community, I also end with that same question. What’s in the best interests of district four?<\/p>\n
Safchik: We’ve talked about what you’re proudest of. Looking back at the last two years, what, if anything, would you have done differently?<\/p>\n
Foster: I think that I would have made sure that the understanding of a strong mayor form of government is fully understood. And what implications? Those have to be a community like District 4. Oftentimes I get asked, why are we not seeing the investment? And I think that’s a direct question on our budget. I think our budget is a symbol or a representation of our morals and values. And so I think, really, having more dialogue about our budget, how the budget works, where the investment is going. I think it is something that I will further highlight to the community. So, for example, typically we always go out and we bring the IBA out and we go through a budget town hall. I think we need to increase the amount of those town halls instead of having one. Maybe we do it from a regional approach within the community. We have 18 communities, and I think we need to make sure that we touch each of those communities to make sure, again, that residents feel that they are heard. And there’s a clear understanding on what’s being presented and what those potential outcomes can be.<\/p>\n
Safchik: During a meeting a few weeks ago, you floated the idea of a ballot measure to do away with the strong mayor form of government. If you’re reelected, will you be pushing for that?<\/p>\n
Foster: Well, again, I think it’s dependent upon the decisions that the mayor makes. I think one thing that I think.<\/p>\n
Safchik: So is it a gripe with this particular mayor or with the system as a whole?<\/p>\n
Foster: I think it’s the system as a whole. Right now, we do not have what I would term a professional chief operating officer, someone that has the expertise, the experience that can deal with the complexities of a large organization such as the city of San Diego. And I think based on our current policies, procedures, our charter, our municipal code. I think there’s some work we need to do to make sure that we codify that the COO position is important and that it should be maintained and that it should be a field position. So the people understand that they have someone that understands all the complexities of the city of San Diego and delivers our core services accordingly.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Would you consider yourself one of the chief critics of Mayor Gloria?<\/p>\n
Foster: Absolutely. Again, I would like to say I do what I do on behalf of the residents of my community. If someone wants to understand when their street will be paved, I think that’s a very reasonable question. And we should be able to provide an accurate and reasonable response when people are concerned about El Nino. I think that the operations staff should be out in the community, working with the community, preparing the community. In regards to the expected rainfall and the potential damages that are coming. And so I think we just need to do more. I think it needs to be forward facing, and I think we need to meet those obligations with our residents.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Voice of San Diego is reporting that the mayor has been pushing interest groups to drop or reconsider their support of you. Why do you think he would be doing that?<\/p>\n
Foster: I think it’s because of the accountability that I bring to the table. I’ve been one of the most vocal council members on the dais. I’m going to continue to be vocal because I take my job very seriously. And I think, when I took my oath, I have an obligation to my community, to my neighbors, and I’m going to put my best foot forward to make sure that I am doing everything I can do to make sure that our decisions are based from an equity perspective and that, we are addressing the deficiencies throughout my community, just as we are addressing deficiencies in all the other communities throughout the city of San Diego.<\/p>\n
Safchik: The firefighters union dropped their endorsement of you. What do you attribute that to?<\/p>\n
Foster: I think it’s just a bad decision. I think Local 145, their executive board, I think they just need to come to the table, have a conversation. I think their decision was a mistake. And I think that’s a question for 145, because I have had no dialogue with them. We just simply received an email, and that was it.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Does it make you reconsider any of your positions?<\/p>\n
Foster: Absolutely not. Again, I’m here to serve the residents of District 4. Every decision I make starts with what’s in the best interests of District 4. And every decision ends with what’s in the best interest of District 4. And I’m going to continue to do that. No matter where this support comes from or where the support does not come from.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Your communities, like you’ve talked about extensively already, were hardest hit by the floods back in 2024. What have you done to fortify these neighborhoods? Should there be any extreme weather from this El Nino potential? El Nino?<\/p>\n
Foster: That’s a very good question. One thing that I have done since I’ve been in office is to prioritize the families that have been impacted by the floods. We understand the areas that are most vulnerable. And my team has been out monitoring all of the progress within our current channels and creeks. We are making sure that they are being maintained, maintained appropriately. Also in this last budget cycle, I am proud to say that we were able to, at the request of our fire chief, Chief Logan, we were able to allocate an additional $2 million in El Nino preparation to make sure that we were supporting our fire chief and our emergency department. And so we’re going to keep doing that. Also, I’ve been adamant and I’ve been advocating and working on our [low interest federal] loans. We have over $190 million in low interest federal loans that are specifically for District 4 to address the various channels and creeks that we have throughout our area. So we are in full design mode in several areas. One of the areas that we are reaching full design completion is in the area of Encanto at Marie Widman Park. So we are going to see some significant things moving there. Some significant work with our infrastructure. And so I’m looking for that work to continue. I’m going to continue to prioritize and monitor, to monitor the progress, to make sure we get it done timely and as efficiently as we can.<\/p>\n
Safchik: How confident can people in your district be that they’re going to be safe, that their property is going to be safe this winter?<\/p>\n
Foster: Well, I think again, that’s why I say we need to communicate. We need to show the community that we are here for them, that we have, they have our full support in the city of San Diego is going to do everything we can to prevent the disaster that we saw in 2024.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Has that progress moved fast enough to protect people?<\/p>\n
Foster: Let me say this: it has not moved fast enough to my liking.<\/p>\n
Safchik: You feel you’ve done everything you can?<\/p>\n
Foster: I have done everything I can. Again, we are in a strong mayor form of government. The mayor determines who shows up on what day, what time and what location. I’m going to continue to push. I’m going to continue to make sure that district four is prioritized. And that’s the passion you see on the dias. That’s the passion you’re going to continue to see.<\/p>\n
Safchik: What more would you ask of the mayor than when it comes to your community and stormwater?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Foster: Simply get it done. That’s it. Get it done, get it done.<\/p>\n
Safchik: You have been a vocal opponent of Flock since the get go. If you were reelected, what more would you do to push Flock out of San Diego?<\/p>\n
Foster: I think I will come to someone like you, ask you to get on board. I ask you to help push that message because I think it’s a clear message, a message of overreach. I think if you look at that contract, if you look at what took place, I think there’s some very, very significant ethical concerns that need to be addressed. We had an officer that was employed at the city of San Diego that we went into an exclusive negotiating contract, and now that officer has retired and works for Flock. I would ask NBC to carry that story. I would ask NBC to do the due diligence and do some investigative reporting and bring that information to light. And let’s do what’s right by the people of the city of San Diego, and let’s get Flock out of this city.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Our job absolutely is to share the facts. And obviously this is a platform for you to express your opinion legislatively. Is there anything more you’d like to see done legislatively?<\/p>\n
Foster: We have put everything in place that we have the authority to do.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Do you feel like your hands are tied now?<\/p>\n
Foster: Absolutely. I think this again, this becomes the decision of the mayor and the nine. Where do we stand? What type of San Diego do we want to be? And I think that is a decision that each person in this city needs to engage in and needs to come to the table and cast their vote. That’s why voting is so important, and that’s why representation is important. Because flock has been known to create privacy issues. There’s officers that misuse and abuse the system. I think that’s very well documented, not only in the city of San Diego, but throughout the nation. And this mass surveillance needs to stop.<\/p>\n
Safchik: If you are reelected, what are you going to do to make life more affordable or housing more accessible for your constituents?<\/p>\n
Foster: Well, I think in the area of housing, one thing that we need to make sure that we do is that we make sure that we are doing everything we can to be in conformance with the Baker versus the city of San Diego settlement. And that settlement indicates that we should be focusing our affordable housing in high to highest resource areas. I think that’s step number one. Making sure that we are making those opportunities available. Also, part of that settlement, there’s $500,000 that was to be allocated to first time homebuyer programs. I think we need to make sure that that money gets allocated, that we work with the San Diego Housing Commission and make sure that we are making those types of purchases that access to generational wealth. I think we need to make that a reality. Also, I think we’ve done a good job. I think the state has done a good job at identifying the housing as a crisis, but I think we could do more. I think we need to actually look at how we can utilize our purchasing power. I think we should actually do more to drive the cost of housing down. Right now, I don’t think we have done a good job.<\/p>\n
Safchik: How do you do that? Why hasn’t it happened already?<\/p>\n
Foster: Because of the risk. I think there are concerns about risk. I think we should look at the requirements that we make our contractors do when it comes to insurance policies versus contractors pulling their own insurance. I think there’s ways we can do ownership or have the government get involved in the insurance process, and decrease that liability in that cost. I also think we can do what a lot of large contractors have done, and that’s to start working to where we are actively involved in purchasing lumber and purchasing doors and purchasing windows, purchasing building and construction materials to make sure that we are leveraging our volume. It’s almost\u2013 the difference of why people go to Costco versus going to a grocery store and buying in bulk. When you buy in bulk, you tend to drive the cost down. And so I think we need to do more with the materials, the building materials, and also with land. I think there are things that we can do with land banking and land trust, to bring those costs down. But we can’t simply just do the status quo. We can’t simply just identify potential land that is open and available for building and leave it to the developers. I think we need to do more to actually impact the cost.<\/p>\n
Safchik: Are you worried that the Balboa parking debacle, the trash fee saga, those things that made life slightly less affordable for San Diegans, that those are going to haunt your campaign?<\/p>\n
Foster: No, I do not.<\/p>\n
Safchik: You stand by your decisions?<\/p>\n
Foster: Absolutely. One thing that I think folks need to understand. I voted no on trash. That was not a Henry Foster decision. I have fought those costs from day one.<\/p>\n
Safchik: You had very strong feelings a couple of weeks ago about that error.<\/p>\n
Foster: Absolutely. With the overcharging that took place in regards to Balboa Park. Again, I’m going to say this. I put the community of district four first. My community does not go to Balboa Park when there’s a birthday party, when there’s a family reunion. We just had one of the oldest families in district four have a family reunion at Neal Petties Park. That’s where my community fellowships. That is what my community calls home. And so for me, that decision put my people first.<\/p>\n
Safchik: You are hoping the dollars generated from Balboa Park would open up money to go towards your community, those parks.<\/p>\n
Foster: Absolutely. To keep libraries open, to keep park and rec hours open. That’s important to my community. If you look at Balboa Park, look at the leases in Balboa Park. No one pays for the leases in Balboa Park. No one pays a water bill in Balboa Park. And those are the things that I think if we communicate to the public and we communicate effectively, then there’s more understanding. And people are able to make their decisions from an informed place. Those are the things that we need to clean up.<\/p>\n
Safchik: I speak to a lot of voters who feel like the city is a bit dysfunctional right now. That is a word I hear over and over again. Do you think that’s a fair characterization?<\/p>\n
Foster: I think the council is working together to address the residents’ concerns. Again, this is a strong mayor form of government. The mayor is responsible for the condition of our streets, our roads, our stormwater system, our parks, our libraries, our police department, our fire department. And so I think that’s why it’s even much more important to engage, to come to the table. Let your voices be heard. Vote. And let’s make sure we at the end of the day, after November 3rd, let’s roll our sleeves up and continue to get back to work and to serve the residents of the city of San Diego.<\/p>\n
Safchik: All right. We will leave it at that. Councilmember Foster, thank you so much for being here.<\/p>\n
Foster: All right. Thank you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Councilmember Henry Foster is fighting for his seat on San Diego\u2019s City Council in a nail-biter race. The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":490149,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[38024,7257,13,74,13134,76,75],"class_list":["post-490148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-decision-2026","tag-politically-speaking","tag-politics","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-city-council","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/490148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=490148"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/490148\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/490149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=490148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=490148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=490148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}