The Ward vs. Bernal debate

This past Monday night at the Globe Theatre there was a public debate between Third City Council District candidates Chris Ward and Anthony Bernal. The event was sponsored by the Police Officers Association, San Diego LGBT Weekly, Hillcrest Town Council, Gaslamp Association, North Park Business Association, San Diego Chamber of Commerce and other community groups.

It was very noticeable when you entered the Globe that there were two tables which displayed each candidate’s campaign material. The Chris Ward table had about five volunteers behind it handing out material, while the Bernal table did not have one single volunteer throughout the entire event.

The candidates were asked questions about the convention center, police department, the homeless problem, sidewalks, the parking problem etc., and it seemed that they actually agreed on all the issues. It was good to hear that both Ward and Bernal supported the expansion of the convention center, a minimum wage increase and support our police officers and their needs as many are leaving San Diego for more greener and welcoming pastures.

What really stood out in this debate was that Chris Ward was more knowledgeable about the issues by far and definitely had more government experience. One of the most telling moments of the debate was when Anthony Bernal stated that part of the reason homeless numbers are on the rise was due to state legislation AB109 and voter-approved Prop. 47. Ward immediately corrected Bernal that there was no evidence in criminal justice statistics that proved the Bernal statement. When the debate moderator gave Bernal a chance for rebuttal of Ward’s correction of the facts, he quietly declined.

Chris Ward, who recently became a father to a beautiful little girl, is chief of staff to a state senator and oversees a staff of 12 people. He also serves on more community and non-profit boards than his opponent, and has received the endorsements of almost every major public official including former Third District Councilmembers Chris Kehoe and Toni Atkins. Ward has been the clear front runner since he announced his candidacy.

Anthony Bernal is a really nice guy who is on the staff of Councilman Todd Gloria, who has not endorsed him and, word is, wisely staying out of this race although 95 percent of the LGBT leadership has endorsed Ward, who is the only gay candidate. Anthony’s mother was a farm worker and his father worked in a grocery store, and he was the first in his family to proudly graduate from high school, but he is not ready to be the next Third District Councilmember following the last three who have been citywide leaders and two were voted “interim mayors.” Someday Anthony Bernal could be an effective and strong public official, but not now.

During the debate I sat with long-time civic leader Nancy Chase and City Commissioner Bruce Abrams. We all three agreed on the following grades for the debate: Chris Ward B+; Anthony Bernal C: and we also rated the moderator who was Thom Senzee: C-.

Support the “Toys for Kids” drive

In 1975 the LGBT community led by the Imperial Court came up with over 600 gifts for the Marine’s “Toys for Tots” drive. They refused to accept toys from “homosexuals” so we homos started the “Toys for Kids” drive, which has gone on to this day for over 40 years and donates toys for children living below the poverty line. So please donate toys; there are boxes all over the community. If you would like further information on the “Toys for Kids” drive please call 619-254-6372. Thank you.