San Diego City Council President Ben Hueso has served the city since 2006. This year, his top priorities include protecting the environment, water supply and quality, job creation, and sound fiscal practices. Ben’s influence extends beyond city limits. In addition to leading Council meetings, he serves on the SANDAG Board of Directors and is a past California Coastal Commissioner. A life-long resident of San Diego, Ben is the eighth of nine children. He and his wife, Laura, are raising their four sons in Logan Heights, in a craftsman-style home fairly close to his childhood home.
Ben, why did you enter politics?
From a young age, I have tried to make a positive difference. I started a transportation business for the elderly and disabled, and later worked with other small business owners to found the Commercial District Revitalization Corporation. Running for office increased my ability to advocate for my community.
My entry into politics was probably inevitable. My parents were wonderful role models because they stressed the importance of service and contributing to the community. My mother imitated her own mother and ran a clinic of sorts from our house, helping family and friends who otherwise might not have had access to health care.
If you could wave a magic wand, what one thing would you change in San Diego?
I would provide local, affordable and reliable sources of drinkable water to meet our needs, now and into the future. The issue is complex, in part, because there is no quick fix or single solution. Fortunately, the problem has been identified as a regional priority, and is being addressed with a multi-pronged effort. San Diego is leading the way by exploring a potentially exciting new technology. As a California Coastal Commissioner, I voted for the Carlsbad desalination plant, and all of us are doing our part to conserve water.
If I could change two things, I would want to guard the quality of our water. I have been working very hard to protect one of our most precious environmental resources, the Tijuana River Valley. I traveled to Washington, DC to secure an emergency permit so we could dredge the storm channels in advance of winter storms. Our success helped to prevent bacterial and other pollutants from reaching the ocean and causing beach closures up and down the coast.
What would you keep the same?
This region owes much to the military. My brother served, so I feel a personal connection. In addition to protecting us from harm, the military is a friend to the environment, implementing stringent green-friendly practices and seeking a balance between the need to train personnel while protecting sensitive geographic areas.
What has changed the most in our region since you were a child?
The Coronado Bridge, for starters! Both of us were born in 1969. I crossed that bridge all the time by bus so I could go swimming at Center Beach.
In addition, I have marveled at the growth of this area. The number of people living here is expected to grow by another 1.5 million by 2030. For that reason, I am working to protect open space and to provide easy access to outdoor recreational areas. I am proud to have worked on the Bayshore Bikeway, a 27-mile path that unifies the South Bay. Today, you can ride the Bayshore Bikeway from Coronado through Imperial Beach to Otay Lakes safely.
Do you use the Bayshore Bikeway? How do you spend your free time?
My sons and I love to bike along the shore, and enjoy it often. I also love to kayak. Just last weekend, I took two of my sons and traveled on the bay and river, passing through Sweetwater Marsh.
I also love music. I play the piano and love mariachi.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Ben!
