Four candidates are in the hunt for two seats on La Mesa Council during the Nov. 5 election.

Lauren Cazares, Shawn Townsend, Kristine Alessio, and Genevieve Suzuki are in the running for the election for four-year terms.

Mensajero de La Mesa recently caught up with all four candidates to get a sampling of their views on why they’re running, what would make them an effective councilmember, what they would like to see improved in La Mesa and more.

LMC: What interested you in running for a spot on La Mesa Council?

Cazares: I am deeply motivated to run for a position on the La Mesa City Council because this community has been instrumental in shaping my life and opportunities. My parents lived the American Dream here— achieving home ownership and entrepreneurship while raising a family. Their experiences paved the way for me to become the first in my family to graduate from college and to become a second-generation homeowner here in La Mesa. This community has given me so much, and I feel a strong responsibility to give back.

My love for La Mesa drives my desire to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities I did. I bring a blend of policy expertise and political experience that positions me to effectively advocate for small businesses and working families. I am passionate about ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in our community. I am Gen Z and I think it is critical that my generation, and all generations, have a seat at the table where decisions are being made that will directly impact our ability to thrive in La Mesa.

Ultimately, I aspire to leverage my skills and commitment to contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for all residents of La Mesa. I want to create an environment where everyone can thrive, just as my family did, and I believe that together we can continue to build a stronger, safer, and thriving community.

Townsend: In an effort to enhance efficiency, I will consolidate and simultaneously address the first and second questions.

As a dedicated Personal Trainer and Regional General Manager for Anytime Fitness, I possess a deep-seated passion for empowering individuals within my community to attain their fitness aspirations and enhance their overall well-being. Through my extensive experience in the fitness industry, I have honed a unique skill set that enables me to identify the fundamental causes of dysfunction and implement effective corrective measures. It is precisely this expertise that I intend to bring to the City Council as its next elected member.

For La Mesa to address its challenges effectively, collaboration with neighboring cities such as El Cajon, Lemon Grove, and others is indispensable. We must engage in constructive dialogue and work together to create a unified vision for the region’s future.

The City Council position has always attracted lobbyists and attorneys due to their influence on policy decisions. Lobbyists use their charm and influence, while attorneys understand the legal implications of council decisions. This close relationship has raised concerns about integrity, but the lure of power continues to attract these groups. 

Unlike all of my opponents, I am neither a lobbyist nor an attorney, yet I will collaborate with them for the best interests of La Mesa’s residents and business owners.

Alessio: La Mesa needs experienced leadership in uncertain times. We need someone that can begin working immediately the most important issues to residents, businesses and visitors. As an over 30 year resident, former Councilmember, former Planning Commission and attorney, I understand how local government works and how often doesn’t work. But, I also know how it can be made better to work for you. I will begin by answering only to the people and not to special interests. I will keep divisive State and Federal issues off the agenda and focus only on La Mesa.

Suzuki: Since I was in middle school, I have always dreamt of serving in public office. I believe serving the public as an elected official can be incredibly rewarding and is a true honor. When Councilmember Jack Shu decided not to seek reelection this past June, I saw it as an opportunity to take a step forward toward my dream of serving the people of La Mesa.

LMC: What in your background would make you an effective councilmember?

Cazares: My background uniquely positions me to be an effective council member for several reasons. As a Policy Advisor at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, I have a deep understanding of key issue areas like environment and sustainability, education, workforce development, and small business support. This expertise allows me to advocate for policies that promote economic growth while also prioritizing community needs.

Having served in various political and bureaucratic roles, I bring firsthand experience navigating government processes and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. My work in advocacy, fundraising, and management has equipped me with the skills to effectively mobilize resources and build coalitions that can drive change. I understand the inner workings of government and am willing to spend the time needed to understand proposals and policies to make the best decisions for our city.

As a lifelong resident of La Mesa, my commitment to the community is both personal and professional. My involvement on multiple boards and committees demonstrates my dedication to public service and my desire to engage with constituents on important local issues. My experiences as the proud daughter of small business owners and granddaughter of immigrants have shaped my perspective, motivating me to advocate for inclusive policies that support all community members. This blend of advocacy, community engagement, and practical political experience makes me a strong candidate for council, ready to positively contribute to La Mesa’s future on day one.

Alessio: As a former Councilmember and Planning Commissioner and an attorney, I understand how the City works and how the State’s and County’s laws, rules and regulations that affect us. I am a mother who raised my daughter in La Mesa where she attended our public schools, I also understand the opinions and needs of parents. I am eager to the parents of school aged children in our community. And, as a small business owner, I know what it is like be faced with burdensome and oppressive government regulation and bureaucracy.

Suzuki: As a parent, attorney and homeowner who lives and works in La Mesa, I want to help our city remain a warm community that reflects its vibrant citizens. I’ve sat on the Community Services Commission and the board of directors of the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation. I know how essential our community services and parks are to our residents, young and old, and I would love to be involved in enhancing them to suit our growing city. I have also been the editor of La Mesa Courier, which means I know of the many resources available to councilmembers to help make informed decisions regarding our community.

I also think my being a Sandwich Generation member is an important voice for our council. I have two children who are currently in school and a 90-year-old mother who lives with me. I am aware of issues confronting caretaking adult children as well as parents who have kids in grade school and high school. 

LMC: What do you view as the most pressing issues facing La Mesa residents and businesses today and what solutions would you bring to them?

Cazares: I like to say that unlike many cities, La Mesa doesn’t have any huge mountains to overcome, but we do have some important hills we need to work on. I think the three biggest issues are increasing homelessness, lack of resources for public safety, and street accessibility. 

La Mesa’s homeless population grew by 86% in 2024 (per the point-in-time count) and that is unacceptable. We need to ensure that La Mesans can afford to stay in their homes and those that do fall into homelessness have access to essential services to get back on their feet. Our police force and firefighters need help recruiting and additional positions to be funded, understaffed crews mean our service levels decrease and so does employee morale. 

While La Mesa streets are generally safe, many streets and transit stops lack appropriate lighting and multiple crosswalks throughout the City have medians that go through them, creating accessibility issues for kids, older adults, disabled folks, and parents with strollers. We need to address these accessibility issues first and foremost to keep our community safe, and also to protect our City from costly litigation. 

Additionally, we have a permitting problem in La Mesa and we need to face the reality of it: unless we invest the time, money, and energy into our permitting process, businesses, entrepreneurs, and homeowners will stop investing in La Mesa and go elsewhere. 

We need to make it easier to start and maintain businesses in our city and I will work with the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Regional East County Chamber of Commerce to do so.

Townsend: One of the most pressing issues is the lack of affordable housing. Many residents and families struggle to find housing they can afford, which can lead to displacement and financial instability. To address this, I propose implementing rent control measures, providing subsidies for low-income families, and encouraging the development of affordable housing units.

Another critical issue is the need for improved infrastructure. Our roads, bridges, and public transportation system are in need of repair and expansion. I propose investing in infrastructure projects that will reduce traffic congestion, improve public transportation, and make our roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.

Public safety is also a top priority. I propose increasing police presence, investing in crime prevention programs, and working with community organizations to address the root causes of crime.

These solutions would address the most pressing issues facing La Mesa residents and businesses today and create a more vibrant and sustainable community for all.

Alessio: There are issues where La Mesa should be doing better. The basics; the things government is supposed to do: Better roads, less red tape for businesses and homeowners, campaign finance reform, responsible development, and better public safety. One is basic, changing how we take care of our roads. 

For example: Streets should be maintained as needed, those that need repair get it first. Nor should our busiest streets wait years for traffic calming improvements to be made. We must cut red tape at City Hall, no one should have to wait months or longer to open a business, add solar panels to their home, build a fence, upgrade a sign, etc. We need campaign finance reform, currently we do not have any (aside from Term Limits which I sponsored while on the Council and was overwhelming passed by voters). Currently, our campaign finance regulations are so bad that in 2023 the Union Tribune gave La Mesa a “D” rating. Again, it is a simple thing to do and would benefit all future candidates as well as residents. Increasing the pool of candidates running for Council to include those who are not funded by outside special interest groups helps ensure that the people get the representatives they deserve, those who will be responsive to them, not large campaign contributors. 

Facing State housing requirements we must ensure development does not destroy existing neighborhoods. This is again simple: Design guidelines to prevent the “uglification” of our community. We should also not be afraid to have temporary growth moratoriums while we update various Special Plans; easy and legal and ensures community input determines our future development.

Residents and businesses also need a Councilmember that works for them and their interests, not outside interests. If elected, I will have monthly open meetings with residents and businesses to hear their needs and concerns. I will also establish a “think tank” of sorts consisting of qualified locals who understand our City to develop plans for the future of La Mesa. This group will listen to you, not staff or special interests.

Suzuki: When I first launched my campaign, the three most important issues to me were supporting our public safety and fire departments to ensure they are fully staffed and equipped, addressing homelessness humanely, and enhancing community services, such as re-envisioning our library as a hub of connectivity. Since I have been canvassing, however, I have added everyday necessities, such as road maintenance and streetlamps in dim areas. 

One of my key objectives is to foster better communication with our community members. I plan to increase the frequency of town halls and actively seek feedback from organizations that are already making a difference in our city. For example, the HOME program members could provide valuable insights into addressing homelessness, and the Friends of the Library could play a crucial role in shaping the future of our library.

Another priority of mine is to work in tandem with our city staff to revamp our website. I believe that by making it more user-friendly and informative, we can better serve our residents. I aim to ensure that our website provides easy access to important topics, such as board and commission vacancies, facility rentals, and city council minutes and meetings.

LMC: How well would you work with your fellow councilmembers in getting things done for La Mesa residents and business owners?

Cazares: I am proud to have strong ties and be endorsed by three of four councilmembers, our mayor, and our city treasurer. I also have strong relationships with city staff that I have developed during my time volunteering on boards and commissions and regularly engaging on items brought forward to the city council. 

I think it’s critical that the council understands our role when working with staff – we provide direction and ideas on behalf of La Mesa residents, but it is the staff’s role to research, develop, and implement as they are the experts. 

I pledge to work alongside our city staff and fellow councilmembers as with respect, as partners, so La Mesa can continue to thrive.

Townsend: I would bring my strong interpersonal skills, my experience in building consensus, and my ability to listen actively to different perspectives to the council. I would make it a priority to foster a positive and respectful working relationship with my fellow councilmembers, regardless of our political affiliations or personal backgrounds. I believe that by establishing a foundation of trust and mutual respect, we can create a more productive and efficient council that is focused on delivering results for La Mesa.

I would also prioritize regular and transparent communication with my fellow councilmembers. I believe that it is important for us to keep each other informed of our priorities, concerns, and ideas so that we can make informed decisions and work together to develop solutions that address the needs of our community. I would make a concerted effort to ensure that all councilmembers have equal opportunities to participate in discussions and decision-making processes.

Finally, I would emphasize the importance of shared commitment to the well-being of La Mesa. I believe that we all have a responsibility to work together to create a better future for our community. By focusing on our common goals and working together in a spirit of cooperation, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and make a positive impact on the lives of La Mesa residents and business owners.

Alessio: As a former Councilmember I know what it takes to work with my fellow Councilmembers, finding common ground with them and working together on solutions that benefit all La Mesans. There is no reason to not work with someone on a good idea that residents support.

Suzuki: We are all La Mesa residents, so I would strive to work together amicably to find common ground and make our city the best it can be. As an attorney, I am used to working with opposing counsel to address both parties’ needs. In the end, the key to success is remembering to keep La Mesa’s best interests at heart and being willing to think outside the box to identify solutions.

Courtesy photos