Comments so far on this story:

1. Oh Pleeeze wrote on April 30, 2008 10:46 PM:
"Todd Gloria has already littered the neighborhood with near billboard sized campaign signs hanging on the sides of buildings. Thats enough reason to not vote for him. District 3 will again be represented by, at best, a medicore special interest representative bought and paid for by labor unions, gays, and municipal employees. They bought 8 years of Charger Ticket Guarantee and City Pension Budget Buster Kehoe followed by 8 years of more budget busting and Kroll named "negligent" Toni Atkins. No matter that the city's infrastructure continues to decline as long as gays and unions get favors from their chosen lap dog. I hope that no other like sized city elects such incompentent people to Council as does San Diego. Will we ever learn?"

2. Go Todd Go wrote on April 30, 2008 11:10 PM:
"Reading the posts of the week thus far, it's interesting to see the different statements and tones of each writer. Todd Gloria's supporter writes about specific plans Todd has and about specific actions he's taken. Stephen's supporter likes him because he's from Wisconsin and then makes non-specific popular statements against the way things are. I'll choose the positive purpose Todd and his supporters continue to show over the negative empty words of other candidates and recent Midwest imports."

3. Fred Williams wrote on May 1, 2008 7:00 AM:
"Todd seems like a nice kid who will continue in the footsteps of Kehoe and Atkins...and that is exactly the problem. District 3 has had enough of "leaders" who embrace the status quo and are beholden to developers. They campaign as our friends, but quickly dump us for the well-connected fat-cats as soon as they win office. Todd's "mentors" have contributed to the dire situation we find ourselves in today, and unfortunately I don't see any evidence that he would do differently."

4. Fred Williams wrote on May 1, 2008 7:03 AM:
"More...Todd touts his experience on the Housing Commission. Well, that ought to disqualify him right there. What a farce! The Smart Corner fiasco, as VOSD has explained, is a mess created by the Housing Commission. The glut of downtown condos was encouraged by the Housing Commission. Todd Gloria claimed at the Balboa Park debate that he "increased affordable housing"...No, he did NOT, but he did aid and abet the disastrous housing bubble in San Diego. Todd Gloria is the "more-of-the-same" candidate, and we really need change in San Diego."

5. Sid Voorakkara wrote on May 1, 2008 7:40 AM:
"I've known Todd for a number of years, but that's not why I support him. I support Todd because I have always been impressed with how deep his relationships within our community are. Whether in City Heights, North Park or Kensington, people know and respect him for his service to our community. And when it comes to making tough decisions, I've seen how he listens to all points of view and how he understands the impact those decisions have on our community and our city. That's why I support him to represent me on the City Council."

6. Christopher Hall wrote on May 1, 2008 7:49 AM:
"Coming out of the office of Susan Davis is a problem on the resume of Mr. Gloria, and this here by Bob Nelson, the Cafe host, is an example of the problem: 'I got to know Todd when a friend needed help on an immigration matter. I was referred by my congressional representative to her aide, Todd Gloria. He was compassionate, efficient and smart. At the time I thought, 'This guy should run for office, not just be an aide.' // And I quote 'a friend needed help.' Mr. Gloria did not show leadership apart from his boss and he was busy enough helping friends that maybe others felt unrepresented. This campaign runs more like a 'Cool Club' or clique, and you're either in it or not, with special interests gettin' it and you not."

7. Ian Trowbridge wrote on May 1, 2008 8:17 AM:
"I’m sorry, but Bob Nelson’s piece is typical of the Public Relations professional that he is: spin hard and forget inconvenient facts. Todd has many admirable qualities but the truth is he has taken over $20,000 in campaign contributions just from registered lobbyists (19) and developers. For example, the Baldwin family who are developers, most of whom live in Orange County, gave Todd $2160 in campaign contributions. Individuals associated with Black Mountain Ranch LLC gave $1280. These aren’t ordinary folks like you and me. They are all affiliated with companies that expect (continued)"

8. Ian Trowbridge wrote on May 1, 2008 8:21 AM:
"expect to do business with the City council. The other significant of Todd’s campaign contributions is that companies that gave the multiple contributions to Todd, a registered Democrat, also gave similar amounts to April Boling and Carl deMaio who are both Republicans but nothing to other Democrats running for City council. Voters will have to decide for themselves the implication these findings but if one were to just focus on campaign contributions one would be hard pressed to conclude Todd was a Democrat."

9. goodlead wrote on May 1, 2008 8:45 AM:
"Why are developers, who have six candidates to choose from in District 3, all throwing their money to Todd Gloria? Anyone wary of devwloper influence at City Hall should be wary of voting for Todd."

10. Travis Knowles wrote on May 1, 2008 9:23 AM:
"I agree with Bob Nelson. Todd Gloria is the only candidate in the race qualified to represent ALL of district 3. Which other candidate is prepared to represent the Somali community in City Heights, small business owners in North Park, and homeowners in Talmadge? Which other candidate can move seamlessly between a discussion of maintenance improvement districts and Section 8 housing vouchers? Gloria's deep roots and many friendships within the community give him the knowledge needed to provide effective representation for the entire district at city hall. If you want a city councilman who will offer only empty rhetoric or a narrow defense of one neighborhood's interests, then vote for another candidate. If you want real leadership for the entire community: VOTE GLORIA."

11. Frances O'Neill Zimmerman wrote on May 1, 2008 9:31 AM:
"Voters may decide for themselves if they have been well-served by the representation of Councilmember Toni Atkins --herself a former aide to predecessor Councilmember Chris Kehoe-- another former aide to her predecessor, one-term Councilmember John Hartley. If District 3 is sanguine about having a 29-year-old aide to conservative Democrat Rep. Susan Davis elected to help run our city, so be it. But this observer has to ask, when is enough enough? We have seen San Diego State wunderkind Democrats -- all former political aides -- crash and burn in the seductive pay-to-play environment of San Diego City Council. What we need is a candidate with balance, life experience and a sterling reputation: in my opinion, that would mean electing Stephen Whitburn. Stephen Whitburn is ready for City Hall, while Gloria will be (and already is) easily influenced by entrenched special interests."

12. Christopher Hall wrote on May 1, 2008 9:59 AM:
"Travis Knowles says: 'If you want a city councilman who will offer only empty rhetoric or a narrow defense of one neighborhood's interests, then vote for another candidate. ' // Is he saying that by default, any other candidate than Gloria is like this? His statement is presumptuous and assumes there is no possibility that Gloria would have a worthy opponent. Just by being Gloria, other candidates are de facto empty and narrow? // And to Mr. Nelson, why did your friend come to you so you could approach Mr. Gloria -- did you have another, well-connected friend who phoned up Mr. Gloria to reach the Davis office, working up through friends to the boss?"

13. goodlead wrote on May 1, 2008 10:08 AM:
"I assume that the Bob Nelson who wrote this column is the same one blanketing the area with recorded phone calls in support of Scott Peters for City Attorney. If you think Peters has done a good job on the City Council, maybe you'll go along with Nelson's support for both him and Gloria. But if you remember Peters' massive legal bills, charged to the taxpayers, and his negligence on the pensions, you'll question Nelson's judgment on both Peters and Gloria."

14. Al wrote on May 1, 2008 10:09 AM:
"Hey Goodlead: If you know anything about politics which you obviously dont you would know that developers and others give money to the obvious favorite...he is the ONLY legit candidate in the race when you compare likeability, fundraising, name ID etc...NO ONE in this race is even close. Todd will be a true leader on the City Council, not a Kehoe or Atkins or anyone else for that matter. All you people that are supporting another candidate just attack Todd because you really cant differentiate on any policy issues and because he has run an effective campaign while the rest of the candidates have not. Ian: I know you are a conspiracy theorist but this is getting out of hand. Todd is a Democrat and has the ability to bring the parties together. Isnt that what we want? Some one who will challenge the status quo plus bring people together=Gloria"

15. Ian Trowbridge wrote on May 1, 2008 10:53 AM:
"Al: An analysis of unvarnished facts is not an attack on Todd. Also, some believe Todd represents the status quo and is too inexperienced to be a council member, a defensible position. But there are other clear differences between Todd and Stephen: Stephen has real life experience, Todd's only job has been as a congressional aide and has never left San Diego. Stephen has testified at Council meetings regularly, Todd has not. Stephen is bilingual but despite his minority status, Todd is not. Stephen supported the community on the Kensington Terrace issue, Todd did not."

16. Watcher wrote on May 1, 2008 12:08 PM:
"Todd Gloria, working for Congresswoman Susan Davis, could have helped stop the giant Doug Manchester Navy Broadway Complex project by ordering the Navy to move its headquaters to a more secure local naval base, and pushed the Navy to return the public tidelands the city gave the Navy only for military usees back in 1920 back to the city for a new waterfront public park. Instead, fearing to upset "Papa Doug" and jeapordize future political contributions from Manchester's company, Davis and Gloria sat on their hands and did nothing. For that alone, Gloria doesn't deserve to be elected to this office or any other public office."

17. Voter wrote on May 1, 2008 12:12 PM:
"The San Diego real estate development community is pouring bundles of cash into the campaigns of three city council members: Carl Dimaio, Todd Gloria and Phil Thalheimer. These three council candidate are the local Building Industry Association's slate of city council candidates. If you want to see the City of San Diego continue to be be dominated by developers and realtors in the future, vote for the BIA slate. If not, vote for someone else."

18. Travis Knowles wrote on May 1, 2008 12:19 PM:
"Christopher Hall: I don't think any other candidate for district three has even been to city heights, let alone takes the time to meet with the district's many communities (narrow), and I'm certain that no other candidate has spoken specifically about what they will do to improve life in underprivileged areas of the district (empty). Todd is committed to the WHOLE district. Todd has a multitude of plans to restore canyons, provide affordable housing, and improve transit. Ian Trowbridge: It seems to me that one of the best qualifications for a city council is to live in that city for a long time. That way you actually understand the issues residents care about and aren't basing decisions on knowledge of a tiny part of the commmunity."

19. District 5 Voter wrote on May 1, 2008 12:26 PM:
"Although I can not vote in D3, I have to say that I don't see how LGBT and illegal issues have anything to do with holding city office. Our electeds need to stop pandering to these groups and get to work fixing our streets, water mains, and pension system. Silly issues, like same-sex marriage, have no business being brought up by the likes of Atkins, et al. We need to stop being a sanctuary city and get ICE in here and empower our police to rid our canyons, communities, and streets of law-breaking illegal aliens. Mr. Nelson, I can assure you that there are plenty more things to worry about in this city than illegals and LGBTs."

20. Travis Knowles wrote on May 1, 2008 12:29 PM:
"Watcher: Your comments on Navy Broadway are absurd. If the speaker of the house is unable to "order" the military to move its headquarters, then it seems unlikely that an aide to a congresswoman, or any city official, would be able to do so. District 3 needs a councilman who can actually make a difference in district 3. This requires knowledge of the real issues our communities face (crime, infrastructure, transport, canyons, housing, small business improvement, etc). A councilman who sees the seat only as a giant microphone for empty rhetoric on out of district issues won't get my streets paved or policed. If you care about improving YOUR neighborhood, VOTE GLORIA."

21. Travis Knowles wrote on May 1, 2008 12:29 PM:
"Watcher: Your comments on Navy Broadway are absurd. If the speaker of the house is unable to "order" the military to move its headquarters, then it seems unlikely that an aide to a congresswoman, or any city official, would be able to do so. District 3 needs a councilman who can actually make a difference in district 3. This requires knowledge of the real issues our communities face (crime, infrastructure, transport, canyons, housing, small business improvement, etc). A councilman who sees the seat only as a giant microphone for empty rhetoric on out of district issues won't get my streets paved or policed. If you care about improving YOUR neighborhood, VOTE GLORIA."

22. Al wrote on May 1, 2008 12:32 PM:
"Ian: An analysis is fine but you are making an assumption and an opinionated comparison that is clearly a stretch. Todd is not Demaio or Boling and you know that. I'm pretty sure that you and Todd would agree on a great many issues if you took the time to sit down and talk. I disagree with you on a few points--being a District Director is a great experience for council. I would love to explain why that is at some point. You have not worked in a congressional office Ian--how can you make such an opinion without knowing? Wont argue the point that Todd doesnt go and speak at council mtgs even though I dont think its relevant. Why do you need to be a regular at council to be a councilmember? Your argument is that he has never left SD? Thats fairly insignificant dont you think?"

23. Al wrote on May 1, 2008 12:32 PM:
"Lets say he had worked in DC...I think its fair to say that you wouldnt be throwing that out as valid experience. I have heard Stephen speak spanish...I speak spanish...Stephen would be be stretching it quite a bit to say he is bilingual. Why does being a minority somehow require you to be bilingual as a qualification for council? Are you bilingual? The only real thing you have brought up Ian is Kensington Terrace. I applaud you for bringing up a legitimate issue to explain your reasoning against Todd...issues are what we should be talking about...not this other garbage. I think Stephen is a good man but he is not the leader that is required for this position. Todd is...you will learn that when he is elected."

24. Christine wrote on May 1, 2008 1:29 PM:
"A Few of Todds "supporters" 1. Perry Dealy - President of Manchester Development and public point-man for Doug Manchester's Navy Broadway Complex development which is tied up in litigation because of an inadequate EIR. 2.Mitch Berner – Registered City Lobbyist, PR guy and Sunroad frontman, appeared “with and for the applicant” at the City Council hearing on February 5th I have a list 6 pages long of why any citizen gay or straight, legal or illegal should be wary of Todd."

25. Bob Lehman wrote on May 1, 2008 1:57 PM:
"As a former Marine and member of the San Diego Veterans' Advisory Board, I've seen Todd out there putting his time and effort behind his words. He's always there to listen, help or just give advice when needed. I have every confidence that he's not only qualified for the job, but the most qualified. He's not running for himself, he's running for our district."

26. Tom wrote on May 1, 2008 2:05 PM:
"Who is Ian Trowbridge and why is he always pushing his opinion on anybody and everybody. I see his comments all over this conversation, I see his repeated letters to the editor of the GLT. What gives?! Maybe Ian should run for office if he thinks he is so much smarter than everyone else. Give it up, dude."

27. Ben Gomez wrote on May 1, 2008 3:17 PM:
"I'm a Navy veteran and member of the San Diego County United Veterans Council. I always see Todd at our monthly meetings and he is genuinely concerned about all veterans that have served our country. He has demonstrated to the best of his ability to assist anyone that is in need. His leadership as chair of the San Diego County LGBT Community Center ensured the services the Center provides to ALL citizens of San Diego. Thank you Todd!"

28. Just The Facts: wrote on May 1, 2008 4:26 PM:
"The only criticisms mentioned above against Todd are that he is young, has political experience, and has raised lots of money. Let's take a look at the facts. Youth: Todd is old enough to be a member of the United States Congress, has lived in the district his entire life, and has more experience with public issues than most senior citizens. If age is all you care about, I suggest you elect John McCain. Political experience: If you care about District 3, you better elect a person with strong political ties in the region. Politics is complicated and success is often based on personal connections. You want the best for D3, elect someone like Todd. Lots of money: If you want to be elected for public office, you need to be rich or raise lots of money. It's simply the reality of our political system."

29. SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR ALL wrote on May 1, 2008 5:49 PM:
"LGBT rights? immigrants? unions? We have bigger justice issues in our city to worry about, like getting our garbage picked up, having our libraries and pools staffed, and getting potholes filled and streetlights repaired. Of the candidate, which has ANY experience in the nuts and bolts isssues of government and constituent services? ONLY ONE. TODD GLORIA. HE WILL BRING SOCIAL JUST TO THIS WORLD BY HAVING MY TRASH PICKED UP. SENDING AN EMAIL TO TRASH@SANDIEGO.GOV DIDN'T GARNER A REPLY! VOTE FOR TODD GLORIA -- ALL JUSTICE AND NO TRASH!"

30. Fed Up but Hopeful wrote on May 1, 2008 9:41 PM:
"Social Justice -- Soon even your favorite candidate for City Council will not be able to get your garbage picked up, because you will be directly paying a private contractor for that to happen. That's because they're deciding there's no more money in the city to provide for such frills: it will just be a matter of time. Constituent services are the easiest thing for a Councilperson to take care of: what's tough is dealing with the budget morass and pension smoke-and-mirrors, big "public safety" personnel pay raises and the constant drumbeat of lobbyists who would kill their mothers if it served their special interest. For this kind of work, you need an honest, intelligent and experienced man serving District 3 at City Council, not a nice kid. So vote for Stephen Whitburn for Council from District 3."

31. CT wrote on May 2, 2008 10:41 AM:
"Fed up but Hopeful: Todd Gloria is an intelligent and experienced MAN running for city council. He has worked for Congresswoman Susan Davis for over eight years and has become familiar and knowledgeable about the issues facing our community. Prior to his tenure with Ms. Davis he was employed at County Health and Human Services for 8 years. He also is a Housing Commissioner where he has championed for affordable housing and served on the audit committee. He is incredibly intelligent, graduating from USD summa cum laude and as a Harry S. Truman scholar. These life experiences clearly qualify him to be our next councilmember. Wisdom doesn’t come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.-Tom Wilson"

32. Fed Up But Hopeful wrote on May 2, 2008 4:11 PM:
"Re CT's version of whiz-kid Todd Gloria's CV: do the math, folks, if you can. Todd Gloria, age 29, is said to have worked 8 years as an aide in a politician's office -- that would mean his having started there at age 21. Presumably during that period he served as a housing commissioner, "championing affordable housing." (I'd like to see the addresses of all the affordable houses that were built on his watch.) CT also says that Gloria worked at County Health and Human Services for 8 years --which would mean he started there at age 13, unless, of course, all three jobs overlapped and stemmed from his first position -- working as an ambitious aide in a politician's office. I don't know about you, but all this reaffirms why I'm voting for Stephen Whitburn for City Council in District 3."

33. CT wrote on May 2, 2008 7:01 PM:
"Sorry, Fed Up. Unlike Todd I didn't graduate summa cum laude and made a typographical error. He worked at County Health and Human Services 6 years before beginning work with Congresswoman Davis. (Yes, some of us had to begin working when we turned 16.) During college he was an intern for Davis and after graduation began in an official role with her office. For a man nearing his thirtieth birthday the math does add up. As housing commissioner he helped create over 1,200 affordable housing units in the I-56 corridor alone. A career in public service is a noble, virtuous choice. And in Todd's case it has given him life and work experience beyond his years. Todd has not just reported on the community and government, he has actively taken a role in shaping it."

34. Michael Mack wrote on May 4, 2008 10:11 AM:
"I have known Todd for many years. Yes that is why I am supporting him because of his honest commitment and respect for his many friendships in our community, therefor I know he will represent our community and entire district with ambition, experience and wisdom."

35. Christine wrote on May 9, 2008 5:36 PM:
"If you want to know what Hillcrest will look like after a few years of Todd, look at the god awful new townhomes in the whole Foods Parking Lot. In a nutshell, that is the money behind Todd and that is what we have to look forward to w/ him."