PUBLISHED: March 5, 2025 at 6:00 AM PST
Leadership is about more than holding office — it’s about taking decisive action, standing up for our communities, and ensuring that every resident gets the representation they deserve.
As a lifelong advocate for economic development, infrastructure, and cross-border relations, I am committed to addressing the most pressing issues facing District 1 and ensuring our region receives its fair share of resources and support.
South Bay sewage:
This crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border is more than an environmental disaster — it’s a public health emergency that has been ignored for far too long. Communities in South Bay are suffering from polluted beaches, contaminated waterways and serious health risks. While officials have passed the blame for years, real leadership means finding solutions.
If elected, I will work aggressively with state, federal and Mexican authorities to secure the funding and accountability needed to fix this crisis. This is a management issue and politicizing it or turning it into a legal battle will not solve it anytime soon. We must demand that both nations uphold their commitments to protecting border communities. I have worked with high levels of government in Mexico as well and have the contacts to get this resolved. Four years with no resolution, while our residents pay the price for government inaction.
Immigration:
San Diego County has historically played a leadership role in handling asylum cases and supporting displaced individuals, including Ukrainian refugees. We must continue to uphold our commitment to humane and fair immigration policies. However, we cannot allow policies to be dictated by fear or political rhetoric.
The recent immigration raids have instilled fear in many hardworking families. As a leader, I will push for a balanced approach — one that prioritizes national security while also ensuring that families are not torn apart and that immigrants who contribute to our community are treated with dignity. Local enforcement should focus on public safety, not targeting vulnerable populations. We need policies that support legal pathways to citizenship, workforce integration and humane treatment for immigrants.
Trump White House:
San Diego County must not be a rubber stamp for any presidential administration — whether Democrat or Republican. We must govern based on the needs of our residents, not political pressure from Washington, D.C. If the Trump White House — or any administration —pursues policies that harm our region, I will stand firm in opposition. This includes fighting against cuts to infrastructure funding, environmental rollbacks that worsen our sewage crisis, or federal overreach in local immigration enforcement.
As a business adviser, I have worked with leaders across party lines to get things done, and I will continue to advocate for policies that protect our economy, environment and people. Our district deserves a leader who will put the community first, not political agendas.
For too long, District 1 has not received its fair share of county resources. While other regions see new infrastructure, improved public services and economic investments, our communities are left behind. That must change.
I will fight to ensure that South Bay border communities get the funding we deserve for public safety, road repairs, small business development and affordable housing. We must invest in workforce training, job creation and infrastructure that improves quality of life for working families.
San Diego County is only as strong as its most underserved communities. As a longtime advocate for economic development and cross-border collaboration, I have the experience to bring new investment and opportunity to our district. I will work to expand partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to bring real change to our communities.
The challenges we face are significant, but with strong leadership, we can overcome them. My experience in public service, economic development and environmental advocacy has prepared me to take on these fights and deliver results for District 1. I have already done the job.
Now more than ever, we need leaders who will stand up for working families, protect our environment, and ensure that our region receives the resources it needs. I am ready to lead with integrity, accountability and a commitment to real solutions.
I promise to build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous District 1.
Fuentes is a small-business owner and veterans business adviser and lives in Chula Vista.
Editor’s note: To see essays by other candidates for District 1 county supervisor, please go to sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary. Mail voting begins next week and the special election to fill the county board vacancy concludes on April 8.
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