![\"IMG_9120\"](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/IMG_9120.jpg\")
<\/a>Over 150 people filled the church\u2019s social hall on October 17 as three of the top four candidates answered questions from moderator Dale Larabee, a long-time Kensington resident. On hand for the event were the three leading democrats: former Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, Councilmember David Alvarez and former City Attorney Mike Aguirre.\u00a0Councilmember Kevin Faulconer,\u00a0 Republican, was invited, but according to a KenTal club official, could not make it because of a commitment to attend a memorial service.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe club did an excellent job and the candidates were very relaxed,\u201d KenTal President Thomas Ciaraffo said. \u201cEveryone looked like they had a good time and it wasn\u2019t quite a serious as most of the debates, but it was serious enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
Throughout the nearly two-hour event, bursts of applause mixed with laughter could be heard coming from the audience. Questions covered project funding, financial backers, opinions about developers, bike-sharing programs, economic collaboration with Mexico, local parks and police retention.<\/p>\n
At one point, Aquirre told the audience that if they were thinking of not voting for him, that they should consider voting for Faulconer, the Republican Party-endorsed candidate. Alvarez, endorsed by the San Diego Democratic Party, praised former\u00a0Councilmember and current congressional candidate Carl DeMaio, a Republican, for some of his ideas on economic policies.<\/p>\n
Candidates were allowed the opportunity to present a two-minute opening statement. Afterward, all answers were to remain under one minute with no rebuttals. Prepared and audience-submitted questions were asked along with with several \u201cyes or no\u201d and one-word answer questions.<\/p>\n
After the forum\u2019s conclusion, the three candidates mingled with the crowd to shake hands, pose for photos and answer additional questions.<\/p>\n
Fletcher pointed out that Kensington was his highest performing area in last year\u2019s mayoral race. He fell short of making the runoff election, finishing third behind DeMaio.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a good discussion and a good debate,\u201d Fletcher said. \u201cThis is a great community, we\u2019ve gotten a lot of support here and I think folks are ready for a mayor that\u2019s going to provide basic things like public safety, good streets and some good jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alvarez, who at 33 is the youngest member on the City Council, said he wants people to know that although he may look younger, he has been around for a while. Alvarez added that as an unknown he beat Nick Inzunza, the uncle of former District 8\u00a0Councilmember Ralph Inzunza and Felipe Hueso, the older brother of former District 8 Councilmember and State Senator Ben Hueso, to win his seat on the City Council in 2010.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s flattering to look young, but in this case people first judge by appearance and my age is what stands out,\u201d Alvarez said. \u201cBut when they get to know me, they see that I\u2019ve accomplished a lot on the council in the past three years and prior to being a councilmember as an activist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aguirre, who became the City Attorney in 2004 with 50.4 percent of the vote, but was ousted by Jan Goldsmith in 2008, said that despite having to deal with many of the same pressures as Filner, he was still able to do his job effectively.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no way to replace that I\u2019ve served San Diegans already in a city-wide office,\u201d he said. \u201cKensington is a very intelligent group of people and having been their representative and as someone who cared about them, I\u2019m able to point these things out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The special election will be held on Nov. 19. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election between the top two will be scheduled for February.<\/p>\n
More information about the Kensington Talmadge Community Association can be found at kental.org.<\/p>\n