Editorial:

Four years ago we endorsed Pamela Bensoussan for Chula Vista City Council. Over the years we have grown to regret that endorsement. The person we met before the election, the candidate we endorsed, was not the person that became a council person!

We believed that Bensoussan cared about the community only later to find out that Bensoussan only cared about Bensoussan, her campaign debts, and re-election.

The enduring memory we have of Bensoussan is on the day of her swearing in she proposed a sales tax increase, at a time when her community members were suffering under the burden of an economic meltdown, home foreclosures, record unemployment, and higher costs across the board. Bensoussan was out of touch with the community. Chula Vistans responded negatively to her tax initiative and the proposition lost by 70% of the vote.

Then there was her support of a developer to build apartment buildings on the historical section of 2nd Avenue, against community opposition. Once again Bensoussan was out of step with her neighbors. The 100 year centennial that Bensoussan spearheaded was a disappointment, stemming from poor leadership and her co-opting of the centennial book where she highlighted herself. Many described this as nothing more than political propaganda.

The final nail in the proverbial coffin was her backroom dealing with Republican David Malcolm and the negotiations regarding Chula Vista Bayfront and a possible city contract to clean up the South Bay power plant. This alignment with Malcolm, who is the Political Action Committee co-chair for the Lincoln Club, and the alignment with Mayor Cox earned her the endorsement of the partisan special interest Republican Lincoln Club.

It is for these reasons, and many more reasons that we did not list, that we support and endorse the candidacy of Robert Castañeda.

Robert Castañeda is the brother of Chula Vista City Councilman Steve Castañeda. The assumption would be that Robert is following in the footsteps of his brother, but nothing could further from the truth. Robert Castañeda has had a long time interest in politics. At one time he ran for San Diego City Council (he lost). He has also worked for 3 elected governors.

Robert has an extraordinary grasp on the ins and outs and political mechanizations, how to collaborate with fellow politicians, and how to move forward on issues. He learned to compromise as a staff member of three governors in California, two Republicans and one Democrat.

It is true that Robert just recently moved to Chula Vista, but he and his family are well known. He has been involved with the Chula Vista community and has worked on projects with Earl Jentz. He has also worked with his brother/business partner on Chula Vista issues.

Robert, as a small businessman, understands the issues of the business community. He understands budgets having worked for the State Lottery as the director of community & and legislative affairs and with the California Public Utilities Commission.

Robert Castañeda is the best choice to become the next City Council member for Seat # 3.