Submitted by Lou Smith
This is a letter of recommendation for Carrie Downey, Candidate for Mayor of Coronado, whom I have known personally and professionally for many years. Carrie and I were on the Board of Sharp Coronado Hospital together, and I worked with her on several projects during my tenure on the Port Commission and as a School Board Member while she was a City Councilwoman.
I have found Ms. Downey to be an outstanding and professional public official as well as a superb attorney. She has a range of experience and skills that are not normally found in an individual of her years. She always represents us well, and is a true next generation leader. She thrives on complexity and is truly dedicated to serving our community and its citizens.
I have observed her representing Coronado in many forums, from SANDAG to Navy AICUZ (Noise) Studies. Oftentimes the attendees of these sessions had little regard for Coronado and our legitimate needs. She was at her best in those meetings where there was more heat than light; her calm demeanor and reasoned responses often identified the logical solution to the problem. I also felt she truly understood not only the needs, but also the philosophy of our Coronado Community.
She is a true team player and knows Coronado. She fits extremely well in groups that have a number of high-octane members, and she will always find a way to have her voice heard and her position known. She is always grounded in her role on the team and finds a way to get things done.
In summary, she has been perhaps the most effective person I have known. She is not beholden to any outside-of-Coronado interests. She always produces results, and finds a way to make things work. She will make any organization better and more efficient by her presence. She is the Perfect Choice to be our next Mayor!
Lou Smith
RADM, USN (ret)
