Gaspar opts for mayoral bid

Mayor Kristin Gaspar recently picked up candidacy papers for the mayor’s race this November.

Gaspar announced months ago she was running for either the open council or mayor seat. She said she recently chose the latter after asking her family and some in the community which to pursue.

“Mayor was the near-unanimous answer,” Gaspar said.

Gaspar said her campaign will focus on funding core services like public safety and roads.

“As we move forward, it’s going to be critically important we have someone to align the citizens’ priorities with how we’re spending precious taxpayer dollars,” she said.

Gaspar has criticized the council’s decision to buy the $10 million Pacific View property, arguing it’s a case of putting wants before needs.

Deputy Mayor Tony Kranz, who also picked up papers for the mayor position July 15, has defended the purchase, saying it’s a legacy property. This past week, he said the city is still funding all essential services despite the added debt from Pacific View.

Last week, Alex Fidel, 22, became the first candidate to qualify for the mayoral election by turning in his paperwork and obtaining enough signatures.

His platform centers on slashing spending, including on law enforcement personnel who enforce “the war on drugs,” according to a press release.

The release stated he’d also like to reform pensions and ban genetically modified agriculture seeds.

Mike Bawany, an engineer who has lived in Encinitas for 28 years and plans to retire soon, said he’s running to give back to the city.

Resident Al Rodbell pulled papers, but said he is taking time to consider whether he’s going to enter the race.

Gaspar was elected to the council in 2010, becoming mayor in June. Last November, the council agreed to split the one-year mayor term between Gaspar and Councilwoman Teresa Barth.

However, a council majority will no longer select the mayor each year. Because of Proposition K passing last November, this upcoming election will be the first time Encinitas voters directly elect the two-year position.

The filing period for the mayor’s race started July 14, and paperwork must be turned in by Aug. 8.

As of July 28, Catherine Blakespear and Julie Graboi are the only residents who have pulled papers for the open council seat.

Blakespear has advocated loosening agriculture restrictions and examining ways to rein in construction costs. Graboi has said she’s in favor of slow-growth and doing more to combat the state’s “density bonus” development law.