Term limits may also be affected

By Margie M. Palmer | Reportero SDUN

While the San Diego Redistricting Commission is not scheduled to make a final determination as to new Council district lines until the end of this year, some question how new community boundaries may affect incumbents’ eligibility to serve the communities they currently represent.

Political analyst Chris Crotty, president of Crotty Consulting, Inc., said that because the Redistricting Commission is working to create a new district entirely, “incumbent elected official[s] could end up being drawn into … new district[s].”

Redistricting may also affect term limits.

Political consultant John Dadian, founder of Dadian & Associates, Inc., said the $6 million question, however, is how redistricting will affect term limits.

“Term limits apply to the numbered district,” Dadian said. “Let’s take [District 2] Rep. Kevin Faulconer for example. He’s termed out in his current district, but if they redraw the lines and he finds himself living in District 1, can he run for eight more years in District 1?”

Dadian said he believes the answer is affirmative. However, the City Attorney’s office is currently evaluating the question.

“We have not yet opined on this,” said communications director Gina Coburn. “But we will likely do so in the future.”

Despite uncertainty as to how district lines may be redrawn or how terms may be affected, City Council candidates for the 2012 election continue to add their hats to the ring: District 1 Councilmember Sherri Lightner, District 7 Councilmember Marti Emerald and District 3 City Councilmember Todd Gloria have all indicated they will run for a second term.

City Heights, the community Gloria represents, is among those whose parameters could change.

Gloria said that it’s too early to say whether he would move in an attempt to retain his eligibility to run as a representative of Uptown neighborhoods.

“We will wait until the Commission makes its final decision before we cross that bridge, but regardless I will run on my record,” he said.

The Redistricting Commission is taking advisement from San Diego residents as to how to redraw community boundaries via a series of public hearings. A final determination as to how Council lines may be affected is not expected until December.

The redistricting process is the result of a June 2010 voter-passed amendment to the City Charter allowing for the creation of a new ninth Council District.