By Ron James — Editor-in-Chief

Former City Council candidate and community activist Stephen Whitburn announced on his website this afternoon that he would be running for the San Diego Board of Supervisor seat held by Ron Roberts. The past president of the San Diego Democratic Clubofficially announced his entry into the district 4 race at a 5:30 press conference Thursday in University Heights.

Robert’s district falls entirely within the boundaries of the City of San Diego and some local pundits speculate that a strong Democratic challenge could unseat the incumbent supervisor. Assembly women Lori Saldana and Council women Donna Frye were favored to join the race against Roberts, but both chose not go against the long time local politician who has a formidable campaign war chest.

“San Diegans deserve to have a County Board of Supervisors that governs with integrity, wisdom, compassion, and transparency,” Whitburn said on the website message.

Here is the statement from Whitburn’s campaign website.

“Welcome! I hope you’ll support my campaign for San Diego County Supervisor in District 4.

San Diegans deserve to have a County Board of Supervisors that governs with integrity, wisdom, compassion, and transparency.
The County Board of Supervisors makes key decisions that affect the quality of our social services, environment, public health, emergency services, parks & open space, and more. For more than 15 years, the same five conservative supervisors have repeatedly shortchanged the people, confident in their power of incumbency.

As a Democrat and an advocate for stronger neighborhoods, I will bring a fresh voice to County government. I will need your help to do this, and I would be grateful for your support!”

Also in the race is San Diego school trustee Shelia Jackson.