Chula Vista Mayor John McCann
Age: 55
Republican
Tell us about your professional and political experience and why you are running for District 1 County Supervisor.
McCann: Mayor John McCann is a Navy veteran, successful small-business owner and a lifelong South County resident. Mayor McCann’s solution-oriented approach prioritizes public safety, getting homeless off the streets, neighborhood improvements, decreasing traffic congestion, and support of local businesses.
McCann was raised in a working-class family by a single mother who worked at the Rohr/Goodrich Aerospace Factory for almost 30 years. He attended Bonita Vista High School and earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in economics at San Diego State University and worked at the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
McCann has a history of leadership in the South County community. McCann currently serves as the Mayor of Chula Vista, served four terms as a Chula Vista City Councilmember and served one term as a school board member, with two years leading the school board as president.
McCann is a decorated Iraq War veteran and has 24 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves and Active Duty combined.
What are your top three priorities as county supervisor and why?
Public Safety: I believe that protecting our neighborhoods from crime and drugs is the most important duty of an elected official. I am proud to be endorsed by the San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.
Getting Homeless of the Streets: I led the adoption of one of the strictest bans on public homeless encampments in San Diego County. These encampments are breeding grounds for drugs and crime, unsafe for both the homeless and nearby residents. The County’s social service agency must prioritize getting homeless off the streets.
Supporting Seniors and Cost of living: As Mayor, and before that City Councilmember, I have led the fight against unfair taxes and worked to decrease the cost of living for Chula Vista residents, especially seniors and working-class families most affected by these taxes.
I successfully worked to defeat sales taxes that would increase the cost of everyday items like food, gas, and other everyday essentials. I championed decreasing citizens’ utility and power costs.
What do you believe are the most important issues in District 1 and what ideas do you have to solve these issues?
I am proud to be endorsed by the San Diego Deputy Sheriff’s Association, because I will ensure public safety in South County is the most important issue. Keeping residents safe is the first responsibility of local government.
Addressing the homelessness crisis is also very important for the new Supervisor. The County of San Diego has hundreds of millions in funding for homeless programs but must use that funding more effectively.
Finally, fixing the sewage crisis in the Tijuana River Valley is imperative. This is truly an international environmental problem and requires urgent action by both the U.S. and Mexican governments. As Mayor, I have been successful in bringing an additional $250 million to address the problem. But more is needed.
What would you do to stop the Tijuana River sewage crisis and how does your experience help you in your goals?
I have worked closely with other South County leaders to find solutions to the environmental crisis in the Tijuana River Valley. I am proud that we were able to persuade Congress and the Administration to invest an additional $250 million in improving the South Bay Treatment Plant.
How do you feel about San Diego County being a “sanctuary” county and why? Would you try to change its status while still keeping with state laws?
Dangerous violent criminals who are in the country illegally should be deported. As Supervisor, I will protect legal immigrants and Dreamers.
This election could change the political advantage of the San Diego Board of Supervisors. Do you believe this is a needed change and why?
My work for Chula Vista and South County is about improving our quality of life for all. I care about creating a better San Diego County, not political advantage.
How do you believe the current Board of Supervisors is dealing with the county’s homeless population and what would you want to see implemented to help the homeless?
The County should close the illegal homeless encampments – they only encourage criminal activity and open drug use. The funding for support must be focused on getting the homeless off the streets and into shelter. To ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are spent wisely, the County needs to do a much better job monitoring the non-profit groups that administer the programs.
How do you believe the current the board is doing with affordable housing and what proposals to you have to meet state standards and build home ownership and affordable housing?
The current Board of Supervisors majority has done a terrible job in creating new housing in San Diego. San Diego County is one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. We urgently need to add market rate housing, to improve home ownership rates, and also build more affordable housing. The County’s complicated and very slow approval process is a barrier to new homes and must be reformed immediately.
