Written by Nicholas Vetrisek
In the realm of San Diego politics where overregulation and massive bureaucratic incompetence is often the norm, City Councilman Scott Sherman has consistently forwarded policies designed to solve many of the city’s most pressing issues.
Throughout his campaign to be the next Mayor of San Diego, one of his major promises has been to drastically reduce the influence of labor unions in San Diego’s government by undoing wage requirements for city contracts and re-negotiating collective bargaining agreements. “We’ve got to deal with the special interests at City Hall. The unions have amazing control of what happens in the city,” he explained. “I’ve seen Council members vote against resolutions they sponsored because the unions told them not to.”
By renegotiating collective bargaining agreements, Sherman hopes to reduce wasteful spending and allow for incompetent workers to be fired. “We have drivers, driving for the city right now, who cost you millions of dollars, but because of collective bargaining agreements, we cannot discipline or fire those drives. That’s got to change,” he added.
One of his more important policy ideas is to bring back the city’s process for allowing private companies to bid against public workers for city services. The policy was approved nearly 15 years ago, but has not been in effect since former Mayor Bob Filner suspended it. By bringing back competition, the city will receive superior service at a cheaper price due to the end of the public monopoly on city services.
These policies resonate with San Diego voters due to their disillusionment with taxes, regulation, and poor city services. All of this makes it clear why it’s crucial that Sherman advances to the general election over Barbara Bry—and defeats Todd Gloria to become the next Mayor of San Diego.
