en un Aug. 15 Special Primary Election a fill District 4’s vacant seat (Nathan Fletcher resigned in May) for the remainder of the current term ending in January 2027, four candidates are on the ballot.

They are Democrats Janessa Goldbeck and Monica Montgomery Steppe and Republicans Amy Reichert and Paul McQuigg.

Only those residents who live in the district can vote in the election. The district represents the nearly 700,000 residents of county District 4 — making up central San Diego neighborhoods such as the College Area, Clairemont and City Heights, as well as the cities of La Mesa, Lemon Grove and beyond.

Mission Times Courier/College Times Courier caught up recently with three of the candidates via email for a Q&A. We did not hear back from McQuigg prior to print deadline. The candidates were given the same questions to respond to.

MTC: What solutions would you put forth when it comes to the homeless issue around the area?

reichert: Homelessness in San Diego is a humanitarian crisis. The escalating homeless crisis has had devastating consequences, with an estimated 588 homeless people losing their lives in San Diego County in 2022, nearly six times higher than the figure in 2012 when 114 unhoused people died. It is not compassionate to allow people to sleep and die on the street.

California, following the “Housing First” model, while addressing some root causes of homelessness such as affordable housing, has failed to address another root cause of homelessness, particularly in individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues and who are also committing serious or violent crimes. Currently, the “Housing First” approach restricts organizations that offer treatment from receiving Federal and State funding.

To address this gap, my proposed plan, “Shelter First with Treatment,” will prioritize getting mandatory treatment for individuals who engage in violent crimes on our streets. It is unacceptable to offer free motel vouchers to sex offenders who assault minors in taxpayer funded motels and individuals with warrants for their arrest who are actively dealing drugs out of taxpayer funded motel rooms while our elderly and domestic violence victims and their children go without housing. To combat these issues, we need to focus on creating more shelter beds, Crisis Stabilization Units, and enforcing existing laws that prohibit public camping. I also support the establishment of a Homeless Triage Shelter, like Sunbreak Ranch proposed by Bill Walton, where immediate assistance and shelter can be provided.

Furthermore, the housing shortage is worsening due to the demolition of single-family homes, as seen in places like the College Area, where homes are being bulldozed and replaced by rental high-rise units with high rents to match. Consequently, the County of San Diego has experienced a population decline of 50,000 since 2020. Many individuals leaving the county express a simple desire—to be able to purchase a single-family home.

Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritize the construction of affordable single-family homes while preserving our historical, cultural richness and community character of neighborhoods to ensure a livable future for our environment, our children and grandchildren.

Montgomery Steppe: Data from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness shows for every 10 people who make it out of homelessness, 13 experience homelessness for the first time. Prevention is at the forefront of our region’s policy-making needs. The County needs to devote resources towards the issue, period. Criminalizing homelessness, without providing a sufficient amount of shelter is not the solution. In fact, it exacerbates the problem by creating an endless cycle of poverty and preventing the vulnerable families and youth from finding stable housing. Regional coordination is key, and requires an in-depth knowledge of how municipal government works.

I am the only candidate in this race that has the proven expertise needed to facilitate the regional coordination necessary to solve these issues. At the County, I would continue championing tenant protections, subsidies, and other solutions.

We also need to push the state and federal governments to create a sustainable, on-going source of funding to increase the supply of shelter beds, permanent supportive housing, and case workers to assist the unsheltered population. I will continue working with my peers at the state and federal levels, and hold the region accountable for leveraging every tool in our toolbox. Additionally, it is imperative the County review all opportunities of County-owned land that can be used for donations or subsidies, encouraging non-profit developers and housing service providers to provide low-cost to no-cost homelessness solutions.

Goldbeck: Homelessness is spiraling out of control and city leaders keep running away from the problem. I’ll tackle it head on.

Leading a veterans nonprofit, I know what’s worked from fighting to end veterans’ homelessness and I’ll bring that leadership to the County. First, I’ll put urgent focus on getting unhoused seniors and children off the street. They need and want help now. Second, it’s time to get serious about ending the mass street encampments. We all know what’s necessary – more shelters, more treatment, more safe camping sites – but local politicians aren’t getting the job done. I will.

MTC: What can we do to provide more affordable housing and higher paying jobs locally?

reichert: We need to make San Diego a more affordable place to live and work. I am dedicated to advocating for worker rights through my nonprofit organization and successfully preserving thousands of local jobs right here in San Diego. The dedicated people who serve us in essential roles such as mental health, social work, and first responders within the County of San Diego are struggling to afford housing within the county. The County of San Diego government is the third largest employer, employing approximately 20,337 individuals. Many county employees are forced to commute from distant locations such as Temecula and even Tijuana.

To address this critical issue and simultaneously promote environmental sustainability, it is imperative for the county, as one of the largest landowners, to prioritize the development of affordable workforce housing near employment centers. By undertaking this initiative, the county will not only attract highly skilled workers to serve our residents but also significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with long commutes on our roads and highways.

Another issue that will make San Diego completely unaffordable for working class and marginalized communities is a mileage tax, which I am firmly against. SANDAG has proposed road usage fees and pay per mile that could result in an additional $900 a year to the average San Diegan. Electing me would ensure a change of leadership at SANDAG where we can take an aggressive stance to protect the environment without taxing people out of their vehicles and breaking the backs of working class families who are just trying to get their kids to school and get to work.

Montgomery Steppe: Affordable housing and economic opportunity are vital parts of my platform. There are a few steps we can take to make our region more affordable and prosperous.

To provide more affordable housing, I support mandates to ensure low- and very-low-income housing is included in new development. It has been proven that without these mandates, the market will not supply enough affordable housing to meet local needs. I also believe inclusionary housing is a necessary policy tool to reduce concentrated poverty. By creating more housing for low- and middle-income San Diegans, we can make housing more affordable throughout our region.

I especially support creating inclusionary housing units on-site to prevent racial and class segregation and securing sufficient funding for affordable housing units. California’s low-income housing tax credit system is oversubscribed by 5:1, meaning there are a lot of proposed affordable housing projects that can’t be built because they lack the gap financing needed to break ground. On the City Council, I secured a $7.5 million grant to support new homebuyers of color. As Supervisor, I will continue to secure funding for affordable housing projects.

To provide higher-paying jobs to the working families of our region, we must invest in green job opportunities, equitable contracting opportunities, and homeownership opportunities, and secure startup capital for local entrepreneurs. As Co-Chair of the City-County Reinvestment Task Force, I secured millions of dollars worth of investment into jobs and professional opportunities for workers of all ages and backgrounds throughout our region. I will continue this work as Supervisor by investing in small businesses, workforce development programs, job training, and apprenticeship initiatives. I will also advocate for equitable contracting practices that give minority-owned, veteran-owned, and women-owned businesses a fair chance to compete for county contracts and procurement opportunities. Finally, I will increase the minimum wage and support workers’ rights to advocate for better working conditions.

Goldbeck: I’m the daughter of a tow truck driver and classroom teacher who bought their home here for $150,000. But now, homeownership is increasingly out of reach for all but the wealthiest Californians. I’m not sure I’d be a homeowner here either if it weren’t for my service in the Marines and access to a VA home loan. We need to build housing all over the County so there are more homes of all kinds that working families can afford. By building in the unincorporated areas too we can protect the character of existing communities and limit high rise construction that doesn’t fit most of San Diego.

MTC: Do you have ideas on growing the District 4 area to attract more business?

reichert: To foster the growth of the District 4 area and attract more businesses, we must address several key aspects. It is crucial to reduce homeless encampments that obstruct local businesses and disrupt pedestrian flow especially for the disabled like my father who was in a wheelchair in his adult life. We must address the issue of increasing petty crimes, such as shoplifting and require a proactive approach to enforcement so we can protect small mom and pop businesses.

To support young entrepreneurship and facilitate business growth, it is necessary to review and streamline regulations and business permitting processes that may hinder aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized communities and businesses that are still struggling to recover from the pandemic.

Montgomery Steppe: The best ways to attract more business to District 4 are by (1) incentivizing companies to invest and stay in the region and (2) creating new job opportunities for young people.

I will attract businesses to our region by incentivizing the development of more mixed-use spaces, office space, light industrial, and housing opportunities. Furthermore, I will continue to uplift and support small businesses by providing them with the funding to thrive in San Diego.

In the City, I established the Strategic Alliance of Ethnic Chambers which is composed of the Asian Business Association of San Diego, the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, and the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Together the organizations represent tens of thousands of local businesses throughout the region. The alliance was critical in providing financial assistance to small and disadvantaged minority businesses in low and moderate-income (LMI), census tracts, Promise Zones, and Opportunity Zones. I will continue to leverage the alliance to assist in providing the needed capital and resources to help our existing businesses thrive and new businesses succeed

I will also invest in a training-to-opportunity pipeline for young District 4 residents. My office has formed a collaborative network of industry-specific businesses that provide internships and mentorship for young people in the district. We are actively connecting these businesses and corporate partners to schools so that young people can get exposure to a variety of opportunities that exist right here in San Diego. For instance, in my capacity serving as a board member of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the Partnership funded an opportunity for paid internships for SDUSD students over the summer. My office also participated in this program and had a youth intern. Also, the Energy Equity Complex that will be built in the heart of City District 4 will focus on careers in the green energy industry and will have a formal partnership with the school district.

By encouraging local businesses to adopt such training-to-work pipelines and incentivizing and empowering regional businesses, we can secure a prosperous future for our region’s youth and build a capable workforce that attracts even more business to our region. I will adopt this approach to grow the District 4 area and attract more business to our region as Supervisor.

Goldbeck: To me, fighting for equitable economic opportunity is personal.

When I served in the Marines, I fought to successfully overturn the ban on women holding top ranking jobs in the military. I’ll take on the same fights as County Supervisor. I’ll expand support for family caregivers who work so hard for so little.

I’ll work to attract high paying industries to San Diego and ensure they hire local workers, not from out of state. One industry in particular is healthcare and mental health. We have just over half the behavioral health workforce we need. These are high paying jobs, many of which you don’t need a 4-year college for, and they’re absolutely critical in the fight to reduce homelessness in San Diego. For our economy and for our neighborhoods, we have to get it done.

MTC: Do you consider crime to be a problem locally? If so, what are some ideas you have to lessen it?

reichert: Crime is a major problem in our community. The latest SANDAG report, released in May, reveals concerning trends in crime statistics for our communities. The SANDAG crime reports hate crimes increased by 9% from 2021, violent crimes against senior citizens were up 8% and robberies increased by 10%.These numbers are alarming and have had a profound impact on the sense of safety and security felt by residents in neighborhoods throughout District 4.

In Hillcrest, for instance, my friends express their unease about walking in their own neighborhood, while residents of Balboa Park no longer feel safe riding their bicycles. Additionally, local business owners are deeply concerned about theft incidents, and even longstanding establishments like the Hillcrest Starbucks had to close due to their inability to ensure the safety of their employees and patrons.

As a lifelong San Diegan, I am deeply invested in preserving the well-being of our county. I am determined to prevent San Diego from experiencing the same challenges as cities like San Francisco, where businesses are fleeing, or Los Angeles, where residents no longer feel secure in their own homes. One critical issue we face is a shortage of law enforcement personnel, resulting in longer response times for emergency calls in every neighborhood.

Presently, the County is spending excessive amounts on overtime for Sheriff Deputies due to understaffing. I firmly believe that instead of allocating these funds towards overtime, it would be more beneficial to pay our first responders a livable wage. This would enable them to afford housing within the county they serve, without having to endure back-breaking 65-hour workweeks. By providing our dedicated first responders with fair compensation, we can address the staffing shortage by attracting the best people to serve and ensure a higher level of public safety for all residents. We need to tackle crime. By prioritizing the safety and security of our neighborhoods, paying our first responders a livable wage, and increasing law enforcement staffing levels, we can proactively work towards creating a safer environment for everyone in San Diego.

Montgomery Steppe: One of my top priorities for the region is to build a holistic public safety ecosystem that properly funds our first responders while also investing resources in our community to mitigate and prevent public safety issues.

That means funding wildfire mitigation and making land use decisions that genuinely consider wildfire threats. It means public safety through environmental design as we look to develop and restore communities with adequate access to programs, resources, and services. And, it means holding law enforcement accountable for fostering a more trusting and transparent relationship with community members in order to create a system where folks can feel safe reporting violence and other threats.

Homicides in my district are down 55% since I championed community-driven public safety alternatives that prioritize restorative justice. Overall, crime is down 10% because we pushed hard for reforms and community programs to address crime holistically and create a public safety ecosystem that brings community and public safety employees together.

Since my office led in the creation of the “No Shots Fired” program in partnership with the San Diego Police Department, gang homicides citywide have decreased by 65% since 2021. We pushed hard for reforms and community programs to address crime holistically and create a public safety ecosystem that brings community and public safety employees (law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and lifeguards) together.

We can do the same across the region. But only with leadership that is willing to do the hard

work and take the political hits. It will require a strong Board of Supervisors who is willing to face the status quo head-on to make the change, and I am the only candidate in this race with a proven history of holding law enforcement accountable and thinking creatively and holistically about this issue.

Goldbeck: I’m a Marine Corps Veteran so there’s nothing more important to me than protecting everyone’s fundamental safety and dignity.

I’m a Democrat and while some in my party are pushing to defund the police, I couldn’t disagree more. We need more police, not less, to fight gun violence, tackle the rise in hate crimes and go after fentanyl dealers poisoning our kids. Of course, we must also advance smart reforms, like police de-escalation training, to ensure all San Diegans are treated equally under the law. But we don’t have to choose between fighting crime and protecting basic rights – we must do both. I’m proud to be Public Safety’s Choice – endorsed by our County Firefighters, Prosecutors and San Diegans Against Crime.

MTC: If elected, how active would you be within the community when it comes to meeting residents, hearing their ideas, concerns etc.?

reichert: As an experienced community organizer, and founder of a nonprofit, my dedication to serving and protecting workers’ and small business rights has spanned two years and positively impacted thousands of individuals by saving the jobs of teachers, police, fire fighters, dispatchers and city employees. I believe in the importance of community engagement with people from all diverse backgrounds and walks of life. Many residents feel unheard by their county supervisor, with their calls and emails regarding urgent concerns going unanswered. This is unacceptable.

During my time as a leader in Celebrate Recovery, a recovery program for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, I established myself as a reliable safe leader who promptly responded to calls for assistance, even during late hours or early mornings when individuals sought treatment. I tirelessly worked to connect people with suitable treatment centers, going above and beyond to help those in need even at midnight and 6 am.

In District 4, I intend to bring this same level of compassion, professionalism, responsiveness and attentiveness to the role of county supervisor. I will prioritize the needs of residents without any partisan bias, refraining from engaging in name-calling or divisive behavior that some of my predecessors and even current fellow candidates have resorted to. I firmly believe that every individual’s beliefs should be respected and their voices heard.

As your next county supervisor, I am committed to establishing an office that is highly responsive to residents’ concerns. I will hold monthly town hall meetings throughout District 4, ensuring that every issue raised receives follow-up and immediate attention. Your concerns will not be overlooked or disregarded. Instead, they will be taken seriously and addressed promptly, restoring and fostering a sense of trust and effective representation within our community.

Montgomery Steppe: It is a priority for me to foster community-led governance. As City Councilmember, I seek guidance and maintain an open door policy for people and organizations working on these important issues in San Diego. I am dedicated to encouraging meaningful dialogue on the key issues facing our region and uplifting historically marginalized voices from the LGBT+, Black and Brown, immigrant, refugee, and unincorporated communities.

Over the past five years, I have held town hall meetings, forums, and events to make the residents of my district feel heard. I will maintain this approach as Supervisor. I am endlessly dedicated to continuing to provide San Diegans with the representative, responsive government they deserve.

Goldbeck: It’s clear that politics as usual is not the solution – in fact, it is in many ways the root of all the problems that keep getting worse – homelessness, housing, crime.

I’m running to bring change and start getting the job done. It’s what I’ve always been about. Serving in the Marines. Leading a national veterans nonprofit. Fighting for LGBTQ equality. To me leadership begins with listening and I always want to hear directly from you. Those aren’t empty words. Call me on my cell phone and let’s talk – here’s my number: 760-518-7447.

MTC: In light of the Fletcher resignation, how will you restore faith and confidence in voters if elected?

reichert: Last year, I ran against Nathan Fletcher because I believed he was not serving our district well. People were deeply troubled by his disrespectful attitude towards his constituents, which was evident in his remarks during Chambers at Board meetings, on social media, and to the media. His dismissive and inattentive behavior towards the people who approached the Board of Supervisors was concerning. We need to restore transparency, openness and community engagement.

Throughout my interactions with the Board, I have always maintained a respectful and professional demeanor. However, it is disheartening to witness the disruptive and chaotic nature of the Board meetings. I am committed to restoring order and creating an environment where all members of the public feel safe and encouraged to share their opinions.

The Board must lead by example, refrain from engaging in name-calling directed at their own constituents, and prioritize the interests of the public over personal distractions. It is essential that board members actively engage with the public, regain the trust of the public, and demonstrate the professionalism and respect that the position demands.

Montgomery Steppe: Trust and accountability have always been at the heart of my mission.

As an elected official I have always led with these values at the forefront. I’ve worked with stakeholders and pushed hard for reforms and community programs to create a culture of transparency, openness, mutual respect, and equity between residents and their public servants. I intend to do the same at the County, but I acknowledge that it will not be easy. It can only be done with leadership willing to do the hard work and be dedicated to community members.

My door is always open. I want to hear from residents, be informed about community needs, and take that information to the county as I make important decisions about our quality of life. I have a reputation for my community governance style, and that will not change.

Goldbeck: This is personal to me – when I was in the Marines I served as a Uniformed Victims Advocate supporting women in crisis, holding abusers accountable and helping victims reclaim their lives.

We need our leaders to put progress ahead of politics, ensure women’s dignity is never ignored, and get County government working again. I’ll lead with integrity like I did in the Marines. I’ll fight for change to fix what’s broken and push for the new solutions we need. I will never lie to you and I will always fight for you – the hardworking families and taxpayers of San Diego.

MTC: What qualifies you over your two opponents to take on this job?

reichert: I’m the only candidate who will change the direction of the County Board of Supervisors. From every measurable metric, the status quo is failing. Rising homelessness, cost of living and affordable housing and public safety are all major concerns of San Diegans and the same types of people keep getting elected and things are getting worse.

Our County population is not growing, according to County data, it has declined by 50,000 since 2020. Our friends, family and loved ones are leaving San Diego looking for a better quality of life elsewhere. At the end of the day, what people really want is a safe and affordable place to call home, where they can enjoy life with their loved ones. I’m the only candidate who has a plan to bring people together. I’ll listen to every member of our community and make the changes that San Diego County desperately needs. Together, we can lift up everyone in San Diego and make sure they have the opportunities they deserve.

Montgomery Steppe: Professionally, I am the only elected official in the race. I currently represent over 160,000 San Diegans and oversee the Council process for the City’s $5.2 billion dollar budget. I am the only person in the race who has been in negotiations with contractors; worked in partnership with government, philanthropy, and business to find funding for affordable and market-rate building projects; made land use decisions; worked on transit systems; and understand first hand the strengths and pitfalls of our regional governments to lean into them where possible and reform them where necessary to solve big problems. I’m the only one who has taken a vote and had to stand by it. I have served on multiple regional boards and fostered extensive collaboration between City and County organizations that serve the residents of San Diego County.

Personally, I was born and raised in the district and have been the beneficiary of County services. When I was 20 years old and a student at Spelman College, I became seriously ill and had to return to San Diego for her family to take care of me. During my recovery, my family relied on county services and witnessed firsthand the flaws in how resources were delivered and the stigma attached to those in need. That is why I am committed to changing how resources are delivered to those who need them most and ensuring that all residents of San Diego County are treated with dignity and respect.

It’s clear that I am the best-positioned candidate to move our County forward.

Goldbeck: I know how to get the job done.

I was one of the first LGBTQ+ women to serve in the Marines after Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was repealed and I was proud to lead troops overseas. As CEO of America’s top veterans nonprofit I worked with the Biden Administration to expand mental healthcare to 5 million veterans at risk of crisis and homelessness. I cut my career in the Marines short to come home and care my mother in her final fight with Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimers. All my life, I’ve taken on tough missions and never backed down.  The mission now is to get County government working again and I’m ready to fight for the change we need.

MTC: Anything else readers should know about you or your campaign?

reichert: As your next County Supervisor, I am committed to being accessible and responsive to your needs. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me personally. You can reach me via email at [email protected] or visit my website at www.AmyforSanDiego.com. If you would like to volunteer with the campaign, feel free to reach out and join me.

Montgomery Steppe: Yes. I want readers to understand that everything I aim to accomplish at the County, I have already accomplished at the city. In my 5 years on the City Council, I have navigated difficult votes where constituents have very different opinions with integrity, empathy for all sides, and a willingness to compromise when it aligns with my values.

I have a proven history of job creation, development, and partnership with small businesses, large corporations, and nonprofits to bring investment and economic opportunity to the communities that need it most. I have a proven history of championing a holistic approach to public safety that supports, empowers, and uplifts our most vulnerable neighbors while providing them with the tools they need to succeed outside of the system. I have a proven history of investing in the peace, beauty, creativity, and health of our County’s neighborhoods.

My office has a strong working relationship and open communication with key stakeholders from all backgrounds in my City Council district and in County District 4.

I know what works and I’m qualified to make it happen. I look forward to bringing my people-centered approach to the County Board of Supervisors.

Goldbeck: I’m proudly endored by San Diego County Firefighters, the San Diego Deputy District Attorney’s Association, San Diegans Against Crime, the San Diego County Medical Society, VoteVets, Equality California, Victory Fund, San Diego Democrats for Equality, and dozens of elected officials and community leaders, including Senator Toni Atkins, Congressmember Scott Peters, Assemblymember Chris Ward, City Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, and many more.

Editor’s note: For more information on the respective candidates, you can visit: janessagoldbeck.com, monica4sandiego.com, amy4sandiego.com.