voiceofsandiego.org: Cafesandiego... To Run or Not to Run

I've been following all the speculation and gossip in voiceofsandiego.org and other internet publications with great interest.

Sometimes I stay up far too late at night reading the latest about my intentions, my character ... or lack of it ... and my potential as an elected official. I try not to take it too personally, after all it is politics.

I'm also stopped on the street, in the grocery store and even at work by people curious to know if I plan to run.

And there's no shortage of opinions.

Some say I should. San Diego needs a good Troubleshooter to clean up City Hall.

Others say it's a lousy idea, that it would be frustrating beyond belief in San Diego's current political environment.

I have to tell you I'm intrigued and inspired by all of it: the conversations, the columns, the blogs and the kvetching ... the civil and not so civil discourse.

But I also recognize this discussion isn't so much about Marti Emerald and her political aspirations. It really has more to do with our shared concerns about the future of San Diego.

Concerns about integrity at City Hall and how to restore public trust.

Concerns about public services and safety and how our tax dollars are spent.

Concerns about our ability to support our families and have a say in what happens in our neighborhoods.

These are the same concerns I've been addressing for the past 22 years as the 10news Troubleshooter: giving consumers and taxpayers a voice, exposing fraud, fighting for open and honest government, and giving the average person a fair shot on a level playing field.

Through it all I recognize I've earned a reputation, a big one.

And with it comes big responsibility, a duty to do the right thing.

At this juncture in my life, the right thing is to answer the call to public service.

Will it be on the City Council?

It's a good possibility.

I'm talking to campaign professionals.

I've dropped in on community planning groups in the 7th District to find out what bugs them and what they want from their City Council.

I am also looking inward, asking myself: Is this the best way I can serve?

Most importantly, I'm talking to my family.

My 14-year-old daughter Chloe and my husband Mike are veterans of life in the spotlight.

They often have to share me in public with people who want to talk about an issue or want to thank me for fixing a problem they had years ago.

It's all generally positive and flattering, but still an intrusion when Chloe and Mike just want us to be together as a family.

Now, Mom is considering a new public career, with even more public demands for her time and attention.

It's a balancing act and my family needs to buy in if it's going to work.

So, while I am genuinely drawn to this opportunity with its many challenges, I am also giving myself and my family time to make sure it's the right move for us.

I also have an obligation to 10news to navigate this process in a responsible and ethical manner, which I am doing and will continue to honor.

As reported in the Voice, my current contract with 10news expires in September. That's when I will publicly announce my decision.

-- MARTI EMERALD

Marti, it must be a very difficult decision, fraught with questions. I want you to know, again, how much you mean to the millions of people you have touched already. Like most dedicated people, you have no idea how important your mission has been already. Whatever you decide to do, your supporters will be behind you, although we would hate to lose the "Troubleshooter" who is always on the lookout for injustice. Bravo to you ! San Marcos City Council approved the Palomar Station project, just in case you hadn't heard, with a Statement of Overriding Considerations, because that was the only way they could get past the Health Risks from Cancer and other illnesses, which were shown to be Significant and Unmitigable. Profits before people. Ugh. P>S> Thanks again for your dedication and committment !

Posted by San Marcos says... | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 9:08 pm

Just curious, did you invite Emerald because of her media role or her political role? If it's the former, you've been duped. If it's the later, I suggest you prepare to afford the same opportunity for free campaigning to all the other candidates.

Posted by Jill C. | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 9:48 pm

"But I also recognize this discussion isn't so much about Marti Emerald and her political aspirations. It really has more to do with our shared concerns about the future of San Diego." Actually, Marti, it really has more to do with the ethical problems posed by a reporter, reporting on local political issues, who is also mulling a run for a political seed. Kind of like pooping where you eat, no?

Posted by No | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 9:48 pm

Marti. up here in San Marcos we have coined a name for people who are bitter and filled with invective. We call them the "Nasties". Sorry you have them too. It takes guts to put your personal life and decision-making process public. It really does take guts to stand up for what you believe and be willing to take the insults. Sorry. We, in San Diego County, have come to really know the "Troubleshooter" and have seen the results of your investigative reporting time and time again. Remember this, those "nasties" are most probably part of the faction that fears you the most and knows you will make sweeping changes wherever you go. Thanks for your committment. Thanks go to you !

Posted by San Marcos says... | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 9:55 pm

Marti, I think you should stop thinking about running for office. I don't think anyone who writes as if each sentence is so vitally important that it merits its own paragraph is able to think coherently enough to serve at City Council. I think your piece lays bare an ego, a misguided bloated sense of empowerment. And yes, everyone knows your secret: your viability as a candidate centers 100% on the fact you'll be very well funded by the union bosses, who's only goal is to install another union lap dog at City Council. No, Marti, don't do it. Your candidacy would be an embarrassment. Stick to TV. You'll do less damage there.

Posted by Eric | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 10:35 pm

Hey VoSD, what happened to Todd's post? It was priceless!

Posted by Eric | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 11:01 pm

Readers may post more than one comment, but should not pose as multiple users. Multiple posts from the same IP address, but with a different user name on each, will be reviewed. Ms. Emerald was invited to host Cafe precisely to foster a discussion about the issues she brought up and to face legitimate questions like those that have already been asked. If a candidate for office has not yet been invited to host the Cafe or post on voiceofsandiego.org, they will be.

Posted by Scott Lewis | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 11:07 pm

It's difficult to imagine that you'd be worse then our current councilmember, "Weapon of Mass Construction" Madaffer, although you need to convince me that you'd be independent and not just another union stooge.

Posted by Ray | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 11:15 pm

You removed my post because it came from the same IP as someone else? Note that if someone else using AT&amp;amp;T/SBC DSL sent in a post it would have a similar IP address, but it's not possible that someone else used the SAME IP address. I suspect my post was removed because it revealed the absurdity of Emerald's blog.

Posted by Todd | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 11:31 pm

Will Marti run?! She's already running -- has been for sometime, just watch one of her TV promos she tries to pass off as reporting. The only downside to her NOT running would be that we would still have to see this drivel on TV and I would have to keep the remote ever handy for a quick exit to Channel 8. Since Emerald is apparently severely ethically-challenged 10/39 better take the bull by the horns. The station needs to remove her from a position where she poses to be a reporter to cover her campaign tracks.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 11:40 pm

Marti - I hope you do run for office. You have inspired so much negativity from those who prefer that our city be run by developers and special interests. That means they must be scared. I walk my neighborhood everyday, and the subject of you running comes up often with my neighbors. And while we often disagree on political matters, we all agree that you are exactly what San Diego needs: an honest, hard working,professional trouble-shooting populist!

Posted by Del Cerro Republican | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 11:44 pm

Marti- Clearly you have provided an excellent service to San Diego over the years in your role as an investigative journalist. That said, it seems somewhat difficult for you to accurately report on events and organizations that might affect a potential run for City Council. Simply put, you could slant you coverage (perhaps even unintenionally) or raise issues you would otherwise not raise due to your consideration of running. How do you reconcile that? How can we, the San Diego public, know your giving us the proverbial straight dope?

Posted by Bob | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 11:49 pm

Run Marti run.

Posted by Al Davis | reply to this comment
July 16, 2007 11:49 pm

The elephant labored mightily and brought forth ... a mouse. I would hope that rather than the standard campaign mailer stuff ("Concerns about integrity at City Hall and how to restore public trust...Concerns about public services and safety and how our tax dollars are spent..." what we would hear from Marti today is how she feels about some of the hard issues facing district 7 and the city. Here are two - specific ways she would balance the positive value to the region's economy of increasing the # of graduates from SDSU with neighborhood impacts and how would she design a more sustainable City retirement system? Your would be opponents is willing to answer those questsions...what say you Marti?

Posted by CMR | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 12:05 am

Marti--I hope that your family will agree to share you with a public that desparately needs somebody we can maybe trust, vs. another political machine candidate masked as a tax payer "advocate." The middle class needs an advocate alright, and I think you're it.

Posted by Balancing | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 1:01 am

I am going to have to second Al Davis..... """"RUN MARTI RUN!!"""""".....

Posted by Billy! Bob!! Henry!!! | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 1:06 am

Run. The City needs you!!!! You know how to ask the probing questions, get answers and actions.

Posted by Yes | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 1:19 am

How about the ability to write a complete paragraph comprised of one idea, as opposed to short, disjointed sentences? Or the ability to truly care about others, not pontificate about how important you are? I see nothing in your article that is genuine, passionate, or original. Where's the blood, sweat and tears to fight for a great City billions of dollars in debt and suffering from self-interested leeches sucking the public good for every cent its worth? This isn't a garden party, Marti. Quacamole dip and a disarming smile won't help us...

Posted by Omni-potent | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 1:27 am

RUN MARTI RUN! ... I have the same sticker on my front bumper!

Posted by City Driver | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 1:46 am

I hope Marti Emerald runs for City Council in District 7. (If she runs, she will win.) I doubt she will step over any ethical line separating journalism and political candidacy. (She's too smart, too experienced, too professional, to let that happen.) I hope she is prepared for the long knives being drawn by political enemies to cut her down to size. (They are scared stiff, Marti, and know that if you run, you will win.) Good luck.

Posted by Fed Up | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 1:56 am

Run. It's time to drive a stake through the heart of the neo-conservative wing of the Republician Party. Enough. Time to say goodbye to the Steve Francis, Carl DiMaio, Jerry Sanders, Karl Rove, Grover Norquist lapdogs.

Posted by Chris | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 2:07 am

I agree with many of your supporters in your district - Run, Marti, Run, if you and your family decide to. I just wish you were up in North County, where San Marcos could sure use a dose of honesty, investigative inquiry, and be concerned for the welfare of the people. We have never had any doubt where you stood on any issue. District 7 will be fortunate. And you will win ! We have a Referendum (or several) being launched to overturn our City Council decision to put profits before people. Don't worry about the "nasties" - they will be out there in force !

Posted by San Marcos says, | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 2:27 am

Marti, some of your fan mail in the postings seem to think your some sort of savior. I don't know. I have never met you and I think I have only seen you once on televsion. What does keep me apprehensive is that people like "Balancing" seem to think you're not backed by the political machine. If so, where do you stand on union issues? Do you support living wage? If so, do you also support issues like Gaylord is going through where unions secured a union wages, health and welfare, and outside audits of all employers but still the unions killed the project because the employer wouldn't except the demand that only union workers be allowed to compete? Just curious but hopeful that you can be a democrat that is not a shill for organized labor.

Posted by Hopeful | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 2:35 am

One more item on organized labor - do you support the idea of eliminating the secret ballot for union organizers? Or, do you believe that individual workers should be free to cast a ballot in favor of or in opposition of forming a union free of coercing from either the union or the employer? I'd love an answer on this one but I doubt I'll get one. Still, hopefull

Posted by Hopeful | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 2:35 am

Run, Marti, run!

Posted by Brian Polejes | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 2:48 am

Run Marti! Not only does our district need a quality person such as yourself to represent us and work with us, but so does the entire City Council. I'd love to volunteer on your campaign!

Posted by District 7 resident | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 3:00 am

Does everyone who says "run, Marti, run" know where you stand on the issues that face the city? I don't which is why I'd like to see where you come down on things I care about. Perhaps Brian or BBH or CityDriver already know but I doubt it. I'm tired of people backing candidates based upon nothing but partisan politics. While it is a reality it is also a shame. Republicans and Democrats both care about the city but where do they draw the line on playing politics and handing out freebees to their base? Come on Sheople!

Posted by Hopeful | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 3:02 am

Telling someone they should run is not backing them.

Posted by Larry | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 3:30 am

Chris is again one of those people looking to blame others for what he doesnt have. Chris was that guy we all knew long time ago, dumb and ugly. Blame yourself Chris, not the GOP. I am reminded that the American distrust of defeatist political parties goes back beyond 1972, all the way back, in fact, to the War of 1812. Like Iraq, it was an unpopular war that its Federalist party opponents called “Mr. Madison’s war,” just as the Democrats today call Iraq “Bush’s war.” In addition, just as the Democrats today keep threatening to cut off funds for Iraq, a number of state governments controlled by the Federalists “refused to supply militia troops for the war effort.” The end result, says Bennett, was that the Federalists would “never again seriously contend for the presidency.”

Posted by SUNROAD Ricky | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 3:32 am

Marti you should run for political office: either Mad Daffer's seat, or if Donna Frye decides not to run for Mayor, then you should run for that seat instead. You could unseat Sanders in a hot second. We need a politician who is interested in representing the people's best interests over those who look after only the wealthy special interests. Think about it: imagine a city apparatus that functions for public benefit and promotes community development. Imagine Manchester and Sunroad NOT getting preferential treatment or the time of day in excess of what community planning groups and concerned citizens get. Imagine trusting the public relations and messages that come from the Mayor's office. Imagine open, sunny government. Imagine appointees on boards and commissions that truly embrace the highest public good and not the political whims of their masters who appointed them.

Posted by Christopher Hall | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 4:05 am

Marti: You may as well run and declare now, given the well-coached campaign piece, masquerading as a blog. For someone who allegedly has the best interests of the public at heart, as stated in the blog, it's time to tell the truth. Also, the free publicity for Channel 10 is something to be looked into, perhaps by the FCC, as this quasi-mystery unfolds. As usual, it's the American public being duped by a slick talker under the guise of an investigator. If it walks like an Emerald and talks like an Emerald, then it's probably a candidate.

Posted by Buddy in Mission Valley | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 4:06 am

For starters I want to know three things from Marti - 1) What are her ideas about the City's pension plans and does she support, for nonpublic safety, keepding the existing plan as is for new hires. As Chair of the pension reform committee, April said no. 2) What are her thoughts about SDSU expansion? Does she oppose? If so, doesn't she think it important that the region increase the % of college grads in the workforce if we hope to compete? 3) What are her thoughts about news taxes? Anything on (or off) the table? Isn't this a lot more important than whether she can point a mike in the face of someone as she plays mike wallace-lite?

Posted by CMR | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 4:24 am

First off, Chris Poppa Hall, you live in NORTHERN California, remember??!! North of San Francisco no less. Why are you posting here? Secondly, and on topic, Ms Marti is already showing her lack of ethics. Lord help me, I'm about to agree with Edgar on something, but those 10news troubleshooter promos are 100% campaign commercials. What do you shout at the shopkeeper? Something like "We're gonna make changes!" You say you're going to wait til September to announce your decision - give me a break. You already know you're running, so resign your position, and quit mascarading as Ms undecided. How is Marti Emrlad different from that reporter in L.A. reporting on the mayor's divorce? different set of facts, but Ethically, there is no difference.

Posted by D | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 4:46 am

PS, I think some of you missed the great humor in City Driver's post. Especially you, hopeful.

Posted by D | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 5:11 am

Run Marti Run.

Posted by cj | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 5:13 am

Imagine knowing your community plan is for you, and not just for the grease ball who wants the city to condemn your land for his profit. Imagine developers kicking and screaming about the 'wasted land use' when parks are funded and built per the community plans. Imagine the dollars and sense infused into the public transit system that help move people where they need to go. Imagine knowing all our contractual agreements city-wide are legal, honest and in the best interests of the people. Imagine secrecy (not confidentiality) is gone and considered tasteless as racism and sexism. Imagine you could go to the dais at City Council in public comment and speak to city council members who show you respect, honestly listen to what you say, and thank you for your time and consideration. Imagine Marti Emerald as your elected politician.

Posted by Christopher Hall | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 6:12 am

You are a quick study and have great leadership skills. Plus you will verify the information you receive. Please tell us your positions on the latest City Council votes.

Posted by La Playa Heritage | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 6:40 am

I look forward to your run Marti, but one thing: please don't use the Cafe as a one-entry stump piece. This is a forum for a dialogue, and you missed a bit opportunity to discuss some issues besides your potential run. It's a waste of time and could have been spent better on other community leaders wanting a more productive dialogue. Hopefully you won't have such neglect in campaign execution. And VoSD: please create a policy with prospective Cafe hosts to use this forum more appropriately. Thank you.

Posted by UH Guy | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 8:14 am

I agrre with Chris...sorry Ricky. I'm a registered republican but, I don't think those principles always work at a local level. I would keep Bush and Rove out of the topic however, DeMaio, Sanders, Roberts and the rest need to go away. I know Madaffer and feel he should have been arrested a long time ago, much less run out of office. If he is not termed out, run against him Marti. You are sure to win.

Posted by Mid-city | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 8:34 am

Marti, I don't know if you should run or not. Those that have told you to run already are either very close ad dear friends of yours and know how you stand on "the important issues or they are just desperate (might also be a good reason). I myself don't know what your beliefs are. One thing is for sure, you must be able to distinguish what is best for this City, and what big business thinks is best for this city. You must be able to separate dribble from the far right and also from the far left. Can you talk sensably about the pension crisis or are you another BBH? Can you talk some sense into your constituents and get them to realiZe safety personnel are a necessity and to keep them this City needs to be competative-thats a start Marti!

Posted by RW | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 9:09 am

City Driver: Hey! That's the same sticker I have right between my headlights.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 10:55 am

Buddy in Mission Valley and D have it right. They know a put-up job when they see one. This whole Cafe crap is nothing more than a stab at free publicity and a ploy. First you get Voice to get you on as a guest columnist, then you round up a large group of people (or maybe just a small group using several computers and different names. Who knows?) to scream "run, Marti. Run." That's probably one of the first things they teach you at "people's advocate reporting school." Ask your colleagues at channels 6 and 9. Why, you could even go get yourself beat up and get some more free publicity that way. Good luck. You'll need it.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 11:00 am

Marti, stay in reporting....your self love is evident in reading this diatribe....while you would fit in fine with the current council, it is time to get more of the Kevin's in and less of the Donna's being brought back.....

Posted by NoMoreGrapeKoolAid | reply to this comment
July 17, 2007 9:38 pm

Perhaps, Scott Lewis, you can explain how Ms Marti (I'll tell you in September if I'm running, giggle giggle) Emrald passed off this campaign teaser as a "Hosting Cafe San Diego" gig. One self promoting entry, then gone. Today's host already has 2 or 3 posts up. What are your thoughts on her ethics in regard to reporting and campaigning at the same time? What was the point of her "hosting" here? Did she ask you, did you ask her? What gives?

Posted by D | reply to this comment
July 18, 2007 12:51 am

Marti already has a reputation of probably being another toadie for labor unions. Thats a bad start as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by Steve Waymire | reply to this comment
July 18, 2007 5:29 am

I still can't get past the fact Larry Remer..rrr...Marti used the word "kvetching".

Posted by Scott | reply to this comment
July 19, 2007 12:30 am

Marti, I'll vote for you if you get a writing style. Sentence fragments masquerading as paragraphs aren't a communicative style for anyone who isn't 14, in a mental hospital or on Prozac. Learn English. See Strunk & White immediately.

Posted by News editor | reply to this comment
July 19, 2007 3:21 am

Has there ever been as lame a posting as Marti's? Is it common for a blog host to post a single self-centered piece of meaningless drivel and then never engage in the responses it brings? Is this what passes for city council material these days? Egad. We're doomed.

Posted by Eric | reply to this comment
July 19, 2007 11:54 am

Marti, I knew you way back when, in the Portland days. You've always been a crusader for the things you believe in, and I would never expect you to stop now. - The armchair naysayers can find their OWN candidate. It's easy to criticize, much harder to put your butt on the line and go and DO. - If you truly feel it's "your time" in this regard, then definitely go for it. I'll be watching with great interest. - (tao - New York City)

Posted by Thomas Andrew Olson | reply to this comment
August 2, 2007 8:15 pm

To Run or Not to Run

Published: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 7:02 AM PDT

-- MARTI EMERALD

School Testing Trouble on the Radio:

KPBS airs a segment about student testing and its discontents. » Dec. 1 -- 10:00 am

The Beautiful People:

Get to know some San Diegans you never might have met.

Dec. 1 -- 9:59 am

Incoming Council Members Weigh In on Budget Decision:

Three out of the four new arrivals indicate they would have voted to save libraries and recreation centers.

Nov. 26 -- 5:22 pm

41 Trees in Three Days:

An update from Alan House, the cemetery manager who moonlights as a Christmas tree farmer.

Dec. 1 -- 3:12 pm

Let the People Read:

Again. ... libraries shouldn't be first to suffer at hands of city's budget crisis.

Dec. 1 -- 4:54 pm

Voters Value Good Government:

Nationally and locally, voters didn't just elect new governments on Nov. 4. They opened the door to new roles for government.

Nov. 25 -- 6:39 pm

Our Audience:

A quick point about that NYT article.

Dec. 1 -- 3:10 pm

Home Price Chartfest:

Some more visuals on the latest Case-Shiller home price index release.

Nov. 28 -- 11:50 am