District 2 San Diego City Council Candidate Forum (Coconut Water at the Beach)

(Illustrative Only)

Todd and Sally
each have their opinions.
So they want to
know more about the
candidates before
making a choice. 

Drinking delisious coconut
water while being
informed citizens. 

They think best when at the
beach. 🙃

 Understanding the issues that matter to communities—and how potential candidates approach them—helps create a more informed citizenry. When examining the challenges communities hope to address and the goals they aim to achieve, it is important to consider multiple perspectives and how those viewpoints are shaped. This includes analyzing the reasoning candidates use to propose solutions, where they place their priorities, and what outcomes they seek. Approaching these discussions without preconceived notions allows for a more balanced and thoughtful evaluation, encouraging a genuine effort to understand both the issues and the diverse ways people attempt to resolve them. Before soldifying your conclusions on who you would vote for just take a moment to reflect and gain more insight. Active and open listening is a positive approach.

This meeting and discussion were hosted by the following two organizations. Please review the summary below, and if you notice any inaccuracies, feel free to send a message—I would be happy to make corrections.

Point Loma Association: Caretakers of Point Loma

San Diego League of Women Voters: Empowering voters and defending democracy.

The Candidates: 

Richard Bailey: Former Mayor of Coronado and financial analyst.
Joshua Coyne: Former city employee and educator.
Nicole Crosby: Deputy City Attorney and PTA president.
Mandy Havlik: Planning board member and community volunteer.
Jacob Mitchell: Fourth-generation San Diegan and policy researcher.
Paul Supa: Focused on budget reform and public safety data.

Budget and Fiscal Management:

Richard Bailey argued that the city has a spending and management problem, not a revenue problem, noting record tax collections alongside a structural deficit. Paul Supa specifically targeted police spending, claiming it consumes over 32% of the general fund—double the national average—and suggested reducing overtime to close the budget gap. Nicole Crosby emphasized her experience managing government grants and budgets to deliver reliable services.

Measure A: The Vacancy Tax:

Support: Nicole Crosby and Joshua Coyne supported the tax to address the impact of short-term rentals and vacant homes on community stability. Jacob Mitchell gave a "yes," though he questioned the city’s ability to enforce it.

Oppose: Richard Bailey called the tax intellectually lazy and likely unconstitutional. Mandy Havlik argued the city should instead focus on fining corporate interests and billionaires rather than homeowners.

Housing and Density:

The candidates criticized the city’s implementation of density bonus programs. Mandy Havlik and Nicole Crosby argued that "one-size-fits-all" zoning ignores the unique needs of coastal communities and puts strain on infrastructure. Richard Bailey criticized "Complete Communities" for allowing high-rises without parking. Jacob Mitchell highlighted "loopholes" that allow developers to build ADU complexes that bypass the safety and habitability standards required of traditional multi-family housing.

Candidate Priorities:

Joshua Coyne stressed the need for a leader who can navigate City Hall to end the homelessness crisis. Mandy Havlik positioned herself as a grassroots neighbor rather than a career politician. Jacob Mitchell advocated for data-driven solutions and pre-approved multiplex designs to create "missing middle" housing. Nicole Crosby pledged to be a champion for neighborhood-led leadership against outside interests.

Candidate Closing Statements (Summary of Themes):

Bailey: Focuses on fiscal accountability and opposing new fees.
Supa: Focuses on re-prioritizing the budget away from excessive police overtime.
Havlik: Emphasizes her years of local service and "people-powered" campaign.
Mitchell: Advocates for pragmatic, data-driven solutions for housing and homelessness.
Crosby: Promises to be a "champion for neighborhoods" and protect quality of life.
Coyne: Highlights his experience inside City Hall to address the homelessness crisis and cost of living.

Couple of Other Sources:

San Diego Council candidates clash over Midway Rising, Liberty Station, empty homes tax

D2 candidates face-off on Liberty Station leasing, Midway Rising and mayor’s budget at forum

Who Will Represent the Peninsula? District 2 Candidates Take Questions at Liberty Station