Candidate Statement

By Jerry Selby

Why I am running.

I believe that the purpose of a city is to provide organization for the safety, health and general welfare of the citizens. Today, this pledge or promise is beleaguered by a variety of challenges that include fiscal uncertainties of state and federal funding to the prevalent pessimism of the 21st Century. The mandate for a member of the City Council must be to bridge the gap between the ideal and the real or more simply to determine the greater good for the community.

From my early twenties to date, I have been employed with government entities. I have also worked in the private sector and understand how dire is the need for quality and service in context of public service. Collectively my work experience, education and an interest in civic affairs have prepared me to want and be capable of serving as a productive and positive addition to the governance of the City. I am eager to serve my community, not just have my community serve me.

My work during the past twenty or so years has been with a number of government entities in a variety of capacities and positions. Starting as a fourteen-year old camp counselor in my hometown, I progressed to fixing the city pools in my college years. I then worked in various sales positions in the private sector, before experiencing the downsizing phenomena of new economy.

As a result of the new economy, I returned to school and earned Bachelors in Public Administration and a Master's in City Planning. In graduate school I worked for the City of La Mesa, Port of San Diego, and San Diego Association of Governments. After graduation my positions include work with the Centre City Development Corporation and the Community Development Commission of National City. Currently I am the Redevelopment Coordinator at the City of Imperial Beach.

I am familiar with the working mechanisms of many different governing models and have direct experience with the development and the implementation of policy.

I know and understand the promise of government and I have experienced its limits. I am both able and have the wish to bring both my knowledge and experience of government to the City of Lemon Grove.