1 minute voter guide: San Diego city attorney
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Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Courtesy of both campaigns.
San Diego voters will select one of two Democratic candidates to replace Mara Elliott as city attorney in the November election.
Why it matters: As the city's chief counsel, the attorney's office represents the city in civil lawsuits, prosecutes misdemeanors and provides legal advice to the mayor and city council as they pursue their own policy goals.
State of play: Assemblyman Brian Maienschein, a former Republican and San Diego city councilmember, is facing Heather Ferbert, a chief deputy city attorney, for one of the highest paid elected positions locally.
- Ferbert, a first-time candidate, is endorsed by Elliott, four local bar associations as well as the unions for city lawyers and white-collar city workers, plus the Union-Tribune editorial board.
- Maienschein has endorsements from Mayor Todd Gloria, most of the city council, Attorney General Rob Bonta, the county Democratic party, the police union and the regional labor council.
- It's the only city race without an incumbent running, as term limits prevented Elliot from seeking re-election.
Flashback: In the March primary election, Ferbert won 53% of the vote compared to Maienschein's 47%.
Friction point: Maienschein and Ferbert discussed their relevant experience and approach to the office in a debate hosted by Voice of San Diego last month.
- Ferbert continued to question Maienschein's qualifications for the role, citing a lack of recent experience practicing law.
- Meanwhile, Maienschein argues his political career and relationships make him a better fit for the job.
The intrigue: Candidates must be licensed attorneys for at least 10 years, a requirement Ferbert and others used to question Maienschein's eligibility to run.
- He has been a licensed attorney for 28 years, but his license has only been active for seven and he hasn't practiced law since being elected to City Council in 2000.
- A city legal analysis last year deemed him eligible for the race.