A Pawn for Proposition D in San Diego City Hall

“Whenever we enter the political season, it is important to make sure that certain processes of government stay out of politics entirely,” said councilmember Carl DeMaio at the outset of Monday's meeting of the Audit Committee. “I was shocked to see that the ‘Yes on D’ campaign had featured a quote from our city auditor, Eduardo Luna, as though he has endorsed Proposition D. I think it's shameful. It's extremely distasteful, and it perhaps foreshadows things to come,”

District five's representative was referring to a political mailer sent out to voters pushing the sales-tax reform measure.

Luna responded to DeMaio's questions of whether he has endorsed Proposition D, whether the quote was accurate, and if he authorized the pro-Prop D campaign to use his quote.

“I am not endorsing the campaign one way or another. It was an accurate quote. I wasn't asked specifically to use that quote on that mailer.”

Using Luna as a pawn in the politics for both pro- and anti-Prop D campaigns recurred, despite DeMaio's admonishment after Luna had delivered a presentation on his role in certifying the ten reform measures if voters approve the five-year sales tax.

“You're aware of an [ordinance] that the city council passed last Monday laying out budgetary principles,” said DeMaio, referencing last week's ordinance where Prop D politicos, including the Mayor, assured that the city would curtail spending and replenish general-fund reserves if Prop D was approved.

Continued DeMaio: “What affect does that have, if any, on your obligations and discretions...to certify the ten [reform measures]?”

“Based on my understanding, it has no effect,” responded Luna.

“Thank you very much. I appreciate that candid and direct answer,” said DeMaio, smirking behind the microphone.

Minutes after councilmember Kevin Faulconer adjourned the meeting, the anti-Prop D contingent issued their own press release.

“The City Auditor's response confirms what the No on Prop D campaign has said all along: Prop D is flawed and contains no guarantees that fiscal reforms will be implemented to fix the city's financial problems,” read the press junket from T.J. Zane, head of San Diegans Against Government Waste.