On December 8th, termed-out San Diego City Council president Scott Peters won a seat on the San Diego Unified Port District’s board of seven commissioners. The District One rep’s appointment wasn’t achieved without some controversy.

In late September, two openings on the port’s board became available — four-year terms managing San Diego Bay and the surrounding waterfront. San Diego City Council is responsible for nominating three of the seven commissioners — the City of Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and Chula Vista nominate one person each.

Outgoing council president Peters looked to continue serving the public and the opening at the Port seemed like a perfect place to do so. Peters was nominated by fellow councilmembers Toni Atkins and Ben Hueso. To make sure he got a fair shot at the appointment, Peters placed the item on November 10th’s council agenda for the current city council to deliberate on, less than 30 days before four new city council members take the oath.

At the council meeting, questions about the fairness of such a nomination were raised by councilmembers Donna Frye and Tony Young.

“These four new council members represent over half of the City of San Diego. They should be given the opportunity to participate in the process,” said Frye, who motioned for a continuance on the item for the new council to hear. “There’s no rush. We have until January 9th to decide. We should extend some courtesy to our incoming colleagues.”

The continuance was denied, with Frye and Young the only two in support. The nomination process continued and the three candidates for the two available positions on the board gave their reasons why they would be the best choice for the available position.

Peters addressed the council from the dais.

“You all know me to be a good listener and a good problem solver and I’m completely sensitive to the need for better communication between our mayor on one hand and our port commissioners on the other.”

Peters went on to add that, if chosen, he would not accept any form of payment for his service.

To find out more on Scott Peters and to find out some of his other self-nominations visit his district’s website at sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd1.