Commentary:
By Augie Bareño

Obama/Romney

Romney-Although he started his presidential bids, as a moderate, he finished being an unidentifiable captive of the tea party, right wing Radio and TV talking heads and the Karl Rove wing of the GOP. It was an uncomfortable fit and along the way in the primary, he received a merciless beating by Santorum, Gingrich and others, over who was the most conservative. It was a silly point, because in the end, the voters didn’t care.

His convention seemed at times unorganized, they had headliners, who spoke about themselves, like Rubio and very little about the nominee and it was capped off with the Eastwood debacle.

Bain Capital, Auto Industry Bailout, 47% comments, defending the top 3% earners, all issues that were never adequately handled, then to compound his problems, he overplayed the ill fated “Ryan Budget Plan.” They had millions of dollars at their disposal, but they never had a GOTV ground game to speak of, let alone one competitive with the democrats.

Their fatal mistake, one that even Ray Charles, could have seen, was relying on the notion, that a Tea Party Republican, Cuban-American Marco Rubio, could somehow convince all the Hispanics in the country, to vote for Romney. The assumption was, his personal journey, would be the cement, to create a compelling bond. Unfortunately, most Hispanics find the tea party to be wackos, they are first cousins to the minutemen, couple that with all the vitriol from the GOP, plus the sub regional differences among Hispanic groups, on a national level. It was a disaster, and as Ray Charles, would have concluded, Marco Rubio didn’t even deliver the state of Florida and failed to recognize, the emergence of the Boricua community as a force, in Florida.

Obama-despite getting pimp slapped in the debate, he recovered. He was able, to re-energize his base, keep focused on Romney shortcomings and use class difference and Romney’s own words and missteps to his advantage. Masterful GOTV, I wish he could govern, with the same degree of effectiveness. While he acknowledged, Hispanics made a significant difference, due in large to part to demographic change, it by itself wont be enough, to advance Immigration Reform, or any other agenda favorable, to Hispanics.

He will propose a series of reforms, knowing that Congress will kill it and for it to be a genuine effort, it has to be taken in the context of our relationship with Mexico around a series of issue, as trade, environment, commerce and foreign relations and most profoundly, the relationship between Enrique Pena Nieto and Obama.

My sense is the problem is so multi-faceted, that democrats have to focus on a Post-Obama Democratic party, to really have meaningful change. Obama really has nothing to gain by taking on issues that will stain his legacy.

Proposition 30

Good for the immediate crisis in education, especially because it identify revenue pathways. The caution here is that state government is notorious for under-realizing revenues, even though their projections were elevated. The long-term solution to school funding has to be a dedicated portion of property tax. The dedicated use by statue would preclude any else. This proposition still allows, the state to access these revenues, if determined, by the Governor.

Mayor, City of San Diego

Bob Filner has to one of the toughest campaigners, in the history of San Diego. Despite, having everything thrown at him, he maintained his focus and persevered. His victory will require downtown interest to re-strategize and find a ways to get access that they are accustomed to.

The real challenge will be governing; the City of San Diego hasn’t had any real management structure, since the last city managers. The strong mayor concept works for setting a legislative agenda and protocol stuff, but not for managing departments.

To repeat, having folks with more of a campaign orientation, come in and be senior policy advisors does not get at the fundamental needs of the City, at least structurally.

Finally, if Filner wants to truly focus on Neighborhoods, he simply cannot do that with out a real Planning Dept. Land Use is simply too important for a large urban city like San Diego.

Carl DeMaio campaign was essentially appearing on KOGO radio everyday and having the UT, at his back and being a one term council member.

Sweetwater Board

Bertha Lopez continues to amaze, she preserved despite a great deal of criticism and minimal support from her fellow board member. Her opponent, despite a lackluster campaign, scored an early lead, but was eventually over taken.
Pearl Quinones scored an impressive victory, out scoring Dr. George Cameron, ex NSD superintendent and Jessica Saenz Gonzalez. The contest was hotly contested, with accusation flying back and forth between Quinones and Saenz, about misconduct. Cameron suffered for not having a ballot statement.

Chula Vista Council

Mary Salas was returned to her former council position, hopefully she will energize the Council.

Pamela Bensoussan was returned to the council beating Larry Breitfelder; hopefully she and Mary Salas, can move the city forward.

National City

Alejandra Sotelo-reelected drawing the greatest number of votes.

Jerry Cano-Elected, new councilperson, folks are looking forward to his service.

Rosalie Zarate-Despite her many years service to the residents of National City, she was not returned to office. Mrs. Zarate has served with a quiet and strong dignity, thank you Rosalie.