CHULA VISTA, Calif. – As the second largest city in the San Diego metro area, Chula Vista is one of the richest and culturally diverse areas in the country and this year, multiple candidates will be vying for several City Council seats to represent this scenic, rapidly growing city.
One of those individuals is Dan Smith, a local businessman, attorney and entrepreneur who is running for City Council Seat Number 2. Smith, along with several other candidates, including incumbent Patricia Aguilar, will compete in a primary election on June 3rd to determine the top two candidates who will face each other for Seat 2 in November’s general election.
Smith is hoping his success in the courtroom and as a local businessman will resonate with voters who desire to see Chula Vista continue on its path of economic growth and development.
“For over a decade, with my wife Layla and our three kids, we’ve lived in Chula Vista, run a successful business on Third Avenue and put our kids through local public schools,” says Smith.
“The Chula Vista City Council needs someone who has real-life experience, is currently running a successful business within this city and someone who is in touch with the town every day,” he adds.
Smith has quipped about his own name, which some have warned may hurt him in a culturally-diverse area such as Chula Vista. However, he is quick to reference his own heritage (he is half-Puerto Rican), his fluency in Spanish and the fact that his wife and kids are Hispanic as well.
“We are running on issues, not someone’s name, but yes, it has been brought up,” Smith admits.
If elected, a major issue for Smith to address is the steady foot traffic of homeless felons on Third Avenue, who have been released under AB 109. He has uncovered that these parolees are required to report to the only office in San Diego County, located in the central corridor of Chula Vista.
“A Councilman that works on Third Avenue is going to have his finger on the pulse of Chula Vista and I will have something to say before the county dumps their problems on Chula Vista,” says Smith.
Smith is proposing a relocation of this office to an industrial area equipped with a job training center, which will assist those looking for a fresh start.
Smith also says it is time to get the Bayfront Project started, which is anticipated to jump-start the local economy and create jobs. It also will demonstrate to universities and other businesses the advantage of locating next to the Olympic Training Center, similar to Boulder, Colorado.
Other items on Smith’s agenda include sensible funding for the police and fire departments and helping watchdog groups bring attention to corruption. Additionally, he believes no increases in taxes are necessary when a business-friendly environment is created and maintained.
For more information on Dan Smith, visit http://www.chula4smith.com .
