City Attorney Jan Goldsmith

The best part of this election cycle, for San Diego at least, is the victory by Jan Goldsmith over Michael Aguirre for city attorney. Aguirre, the man who turned the position of city attorney into a grossly powerful treasure hunt, was ousted after only one term. Having unnecessarily attacked Mayor Jerry Sanders and leading city councilmen, as well as having caused havoc during the October 2007 fires, Aguirre turned his position into a political madhouse. No longer will San Diego have to deal with a city attorney who wastes money on probe after probe without producing any results.
Jan Goldsmith represents a change that San Diego has been waiting for. With only 56% of the votes counted, he was already leading 59% to 40% over the incumbent. Being new to office, Goldsmith sent out a memo to all members of the city attorneys office. He is starting off on a good foot – being straightforward about his plans for the office:

Over the coming months, there will be a transition period. I will be straight with you -- there will be changes and some staff will be let go. I understand the anxiety, but I promise and commit to building a stable and positive work environment.

He has asked each staff member for a resume as well as:

a. A description of your work, which includes specific examples
b. A description of what you have accomplished while employed in the office
c. A highlight of cases or matter on which you are currently working
d. What you would like to do in the future, either in the office or elsewhere.

Finally, we have an attorney who knows how to run an office. The inner-circle of Aguirre will quickly be ousted for less-partisan lawyers. The former judge, Goldsmith, is the right man to help turn San Diego around.