By Samantha Ho
On Monday, March 3, 47 year old Kevin Faulconer was sworn in as San Diego’s 36th mayor. Faulconer, a Republican, previously served the city as a Councilman. He defeated fellow Councilman David Alvarez, a Democrat, in the February 11 election, winning over a city known for a strong Democratic representation. He led by a wide margin, with 55.24 percent of the votes to Alvarez’s 44.76 percent. Faulconer will replace interim mayor Todd Gloria, the Council President, who stepped in after former mayor Bob Filner left office just nine months in to his four year term in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. Faulconer will serve the city as mayor for the remaining 33 months of Filner’s term.
“You sent a very clear message. You want a government that works for you. You want a City Hall that will continue the reforms that you voted for, reforms that will help create the city that we all deserve,” he said in his inauguration speech, addressing a packed room (standing room only) at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, located in southeastern San Diego, an area characterized by a relatively low socioeconomic status.
One of the major topics emphasized in the speech was the city’s police department
Just last week, Faulconer appointed the very first female police chief of the San Diego Police Department, Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman. Of the decision, Faulconer said “Shelley is the right woman at the right time. Not only will she become the first female police chief (in San Diego) but she will be one of the finest police chiefs this city has ever seen — there is no doubt in my mind.” Zimmerman is to take over the force after current Chief William Lansdowne ends his 10 year turn as SDPD chief next Monday. The department is still clouded with controversy after the conviction of officer Anthony Arevalos on several counts of sexual assault while on duty, as well as the arrest of officer Christopher Hays, who is on administrative leave after being accused by several women of sexual misconduct, including improper pat downs. However, Faulconer expressed support of the department, saying, “Together, we will revitalize the department from the ground up. We will ensure the highest standards so we are keeping and attracting the best and brightest officers who will proudly and honorably serve the residents of our great city.”
Mayor Faulconer also touched upon his plan to to add 500 miles to San Diego’s roads and 900 million dollars worth of infrastructure to various neighborhoods over the course of five years. He also mentioned a meeting with Jorge Astiazarán, the mayor of Tijuana, to discuss “trade opportunities on both sides of the border.”
Expressing his dedication to ending homelessness in the city, Faulconer said, “Our work won’t be done until every San Diego man, woman and every family has a roof over their heads.”
Faulconer was accompanied by his wife and kids. He thanked his parents and Gloria at the beginning of his speech.