By SDCNN Staff

Former San Diego City Councilmember Judy McCarty passed away Monday, March 4 after an extended illness. Her health had been slowly declining over the last several months. She passed away peacefully Monday night with all her family at her side.

McCarty, 78, represented District 7 on the San Diego City Council from 1985 to 2000.

“Judy’s legacy on the City Council was one of advocating for libraries, infrastructure and fiscal prudence. Perhaps her proudest achievement was her work on behalf of Mission Trails Regional Park, including the opening of the Visitor Center she helped make a reality,” said former Councilmember Jim Madaffer, who served as her chief of staff and succeeded her on the City Council in 2000.

“San Diego has lost one of the great ones,” said John Kern, who served as her first chief of staff. “Perpetually underestimated, she served four terms on the City Council, longer than anyone else since the City Charter was enacted in 1932. She was a tireless fighter for smart growth, neighborhoods, libraries and her great love – Mission Trails Regional Park. She will be long remembered in the hearts of those who knew her,” Kern said.

Aimee Faucett, chief of staff to Mayor Kevin Faulconer said, “Judy McCarty was the first elected official I worked for. I started as an intern in 1996. She taught me some of the most important political lessons. Strength, conviction, integrity, community. Rest In Peace, Councilmember McCarty.”

“Judy McCarty had strong roots representing her communities with a no-nonsense, plain-spoken, down-to-earth style. She was a consistent and tireless advocate for our libraries,” said former Councilmember Byron Wear.

McCarty got her start in politics serving on Navajo Community Planners. She was elected chair of the planning group. It was during this time she was hired by former State Assemblyman and Senator Larry Stirling as a district representative. In 1985, while serving on Stirling’s staff, she decided to run for a vacant seat on the City Council when then-Councilman and former Mayor Dick Murphy was appointed as a judge.

Even after her terms as a City Councilmember, McCarty was still active in politics as a member of the Navajo Canyon Republican Women, Federated. She was also a regular contributor to the Mission Times Courier, writing on behalf of the Republican Women.

Born in Hammond, Indiana, McCarty married Curtis McCarty in 1962 and together they have two children, Kate Mount of Denver and Dwight McCarty of Campbell, CA.

Services are set for Saturday March 16, 2019 at San Carlos United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.