Comments so far on this story:

1. Jonathan G. wrote on April 21, 2008 9:52 PM:
"Sherri Lightner has the same qualities. She co-owns an Engineering Firm, having graducated with a Masters of Science in Engineering from UCSD. Her commitment to our community is admirable. In addition to teaching sunday school and being Girl Scout Leader of the year, she spent half a dozen years caring for her late sister-in-law's children. What an amazing woman!! Everyone that knows Sherri knows what an amazing woman she is. She has been elected to the boards of the La Jolla Town Council, the La Jolla Shores Association, and a couple others that I can't remember. Sherri Lightner is an amazing woman, and the same qualities that the author applauds in Marshall apply even more to Sherri."

2. jorgeelgato wrote on April 21, 2008 10:52 PM:
"If you like Scott Peters, you'll love Marshall Merrifield. Take the "Evans Bridge" through Rose Canyon Open Space Park. Scott likes it, Marshall loves it. Take the Westfield Mega Mall @ UTC . Marshall thinks the community should take the additional traffic and hope to extract some small mitigation from Westfield. How about just saying NO to more retail development and saving our limited transportation infrastructure for UCSD and the biotech community? Then there is the question of fire stations for University City. As I understand their positions, both Phil Thalheimer and Sherry Lightner are in favor of using developer fees to build two new fire stations in North UC. Marshall, what's his position? Use the money for the bridge. Its what Bill Evans wants. Its what Scott Peters wants. Its what Marshall Merrifield wants. I wonder if Marshall"

3. jorgeelgato wrote on April 21, 2008 11:06 PM:
"golfs on Fridays like Scott?"

4. Tommy W. wrote on April 21, 2008 11:22 PM:
"Janette, you laid out an impressive resume on Marshall. But nothing, anybody has done in this community (now in office) would compare to that Yellow 1st Down line invention for football. What is Mr. Merrifield's position on Medical Marijuanna, or MJ in general? And, would he consider a blue ribbon commission to Review the SDPD, much like the Warren Christopher reviewed and cleaned up LAPD? GOOD JOB!"

5. Penasquitos Voter wrote on April 22, 2008 6:10 AM:
"If brevity is the soul of wit Mr Merrifield must be a load of laughs.This resume is about as brief as they come and pretty thin at that.Pardon my skepticism but I thought it was the economics experts that have us in the fix we're in today.Can a Wall Street-Banking industries rep, with all their recent travesties,be truly reflective of District One? I'm betting a review of Mr Merrifield's campaign contributors would indicate that he's a developer oriented and corporate interest foot soldier rather than a public service leader.I think the voters in District One have had just about enough of that type Downtown.With all due respect to the candidate,his community service record,compared to the other candidates,comes up very short.As a 18 year resident of the district and active in its support I must admit to not hearing anything of him until his announcement.Where's he been? Wall Street?"

6. Marshall is a good neighbor wrote on April 22, 2008 8:03 AM:
"To jorgeelato: Marshall has been very clear. He believes only in smart growth and is very concerned about traffic. Marshal has said at every turn he will not approve new growth until facilities are planned and money is set aside to handle the increased traffic."

7. Jorgeelgato wrote on April 22, 2008 8:32 AM:
"'Marshall is a good neighbor': you're right, Marshall has been very clear. He will continue Scott Peters policies. Cement in parks, snuff the seals, and appearances at the Evans Xmas party. Thats why they've started calling him More of the Same Merrifield."

8. Boomerite wrote on April 22, 2008 8:43 AM:
"Hi Janette. Your resume as a political consultant and activist for San Diegans for City Hall Reform shows much greater involvement in local affairs than Mr. Merrifield. Are the same interests as SDCHR backing him, or is his attempt to buy the election with over $150,000 of his own money prompted by a passionate belief in a position on an issue that has not been formed by polling? WHY is he running? Say what you will about his opponents, but at least both Ms. Lightner and Mr. Thalheimer have shown commitments to their community and have previously entered the political arena to attempt to right perceived wrongs. Mr. Merrifield seems like a nice guy, but I don't see in him the same commitment that Ms. Lightner has to protecting neighborhoods or that Mr. Thalheimer has to throwing himself into larger causes."

9. CarmelValleyLittleLeague/Socce wrote on April 22, 2008 10:48 AM:
"I'm rooting for Marshall to win this election, merely because I know what a dedicated guy he is and how much he wants to serve the community. Otherwise I completely stay out of the Political World for the exact reasons I find all of your messages to be hysterical. I'm only posting to contradict the Golf message posted earlier. If you want to find Marshall on Friday's, you can join us at our Little League practices from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, where Marshall assists me in coaching the kids. Marshall is involved with so many things that I can't imagine he has much time to play golf. I have helped run the DMCV Sharks Soccer League and the Del Mar Little League for the past 5 years and I am positive that Marshall has...."

10. CarmelValleyLittleLeague/Socce wrote on April 22, 2008 10:51 AM:
"...spent much of his free time coaching hundreds of kids in Carmel Valley on his recreation soccer teams in the fall and baseball in the spring. I also know that during the day at lunchtime, he has been on over 30 public school playgrounds all over the County, leading kids from 1st grade through 8th grade in playground games, teaching them the value of teamwork and respect for others. Role models like Marshall are few and far between. Is the reason to be in politics to create a better world for our kids? If so, I think Marshall is well on his way."

11. nelson wrote on April 22, 2008 11:03 AM:
"Coaching Little League and being District 1 Councilperson aren't even on the same playing field. Marshall who? He lived in South UC for 10 years; I've lived there 40 and never heard of him. UCConnection knows him well which means the Evans family knows him well which means "Same Old Stuff like Scott Peters"-With that backing he won't change anything for the RESIDENTS. I understand Sanders is backing him too. That says volumes. Ligthner or Thalheimer are our only real choices for District 1. At least they both have track records locally and people actually know them as Community Leaders in District 1. Can't say that about Marshall. Again, where did he come from and why now?"

12. pigskin hugger wrote on April 22, 2008 1:05 PM:
"I am lovin' that Marshall had a hand in creating the yellow line. What a perfect metaphor for a man I hope I can call "Councilman" in a couple of months! Marshall knows where the line is and is ready show others where it is, too. Creativity and a standard for marking progress while moving the ball down the field. You've got my vote, Marshall."

13. District One Voter Who Knows wrote on April 23, 2008 1:09 PM:
"To Alienated Conservative: You are right, Janette is a worthy and well spoken advocate. That should tell you something. Marshall Merrifield attracts the very best because HE IS THE VERY BEST! I don't understand what is embarrassing about his candidacy. He is an outstanding community member, devoted family man, successful entrepreneur with experience in municipal finance that shames his competitors. Also--the last time I checked--our noble democratic system encourages civic participation. Marshall's willingness to step out of a lucrative private sector career and give himself to public service speaks volumes about his character and love for this city."

14. University City Sees Plenty of wrote on April 23, 2008 1:14 PM:
"Hey nelson, Sounds like you are just miffed because you want Marshall...and probably everyone...to ask for your input and then to do whatever you want. Dude, that's not how it works. Marshall has been out their talking not just to community leaders but to regular peops like me. Get over yourself! Marshall and Sheri both get out there and talk to their neighbors. You are either on a throne or out of the loop."