Recently, opinion pieces have surfaced highlighting the backpedaling of two candidates running for the Encinitas City Council. Allison Blackwell (District 1) and Destiny Preston (District 2) used public safety as leverage to push for “yes” votes on the controversial Measure K tax increase.
Although their posts on the BikeWalkEncinitas website were deleted, constituents had already revealed the candidates’ intent.
Some may ask, “Why does this matter?” A recent example shows how words have consequences. A city news release on Oct. 8, 2024, announced the temporary relocation of Fire Station 1 personnel due to overdue repairs and non-compliance with earthquake building codes.
According to Mayor Tony Kranz, these repairs were decades overdue. Yet, after more than 10 years on the council, Kranz has prioritized non-essential projects over critical public safety infrastructure. Less than a month before the election, Kranz appears to be making a play for firefighter endorsements, shifting blame to prior administrations.
If you’re concerned about the fiscal responsibility of the current city administration, you should be. Why has the council prioritized projects like Pacific View School over public safety or commissioned artwork on underpasses while deferring repairs at Fire Station 1?
Under Kranz’s leadership, several essential infrastructure projects have been delayed for “nice-to-have” initiatives.
Remember this when you think about road repairs or flooding in your neighborhood. The budget was available, but Kranz and his council majority chose to prioritize less urgent projects.
We need a mayor who will prioritize public safety, not make a political football out of pretending to do so.
Vivienne Vail
Encinitas
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Bruce Ehlers for Mayor
Luke Shaffer for D1
Jim O’Hara for D2