Chula Vista Candidates Answer Why They Are the Best for the Position

I recently wrote the candidates running for the offices of Chula Vista Mayor, Councilmember District 1 and Councilmember District 2. I asked them a few questions for the benefit of our Sunnyside Common Sense readers, to assist them in picking candidates that are inline with their own beliefs.

There were eight questions. Two questions will be answered daily for a total of four days. The names appear in the order that I received their responses.

Question 1: Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate?

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Yair Gersten

I’m running because Chula Vista needs a mayor who understands both everyday residents and how government actually works. I have lived in Chula Vista for nearly 30 years and work as a County public servant managing public contracts, budgets, and programs. I’ve volunteered on my HOA board for years and currently hold the Chief Financial Officer position. That experience matters: I know where government slows down, how money can be wasted, and how better systems can save staff time and serve residents faster. I am not backed by big political machines; I am running to bring common sense, accountability, and practical problem-solving to City Hall. What makes me different is that I am focused on fixing the basic functions of government: easier more predictable permits, roads, communication, safety, parks, and responsiveness so residents stop hearing “not our problem” and start seeing results.

John McCann

No response

Francisco Tamayo

No response

DISTRICT ONE CANDIDATES

Chuck Sanfilippo

Tired of the current council running The City into the ground and petty squabbling.  I'm the only one candidate with resolutions & ideas to the top issues. We're being seen in the spot light for all the wrong reasons.   

Joy Emmanuel

I've lived in east Chula Vista for 30 years. I was the Chief Medical Officer for a division of the largest local hospital. My home, my medical practice, and the building where it is located are all in the district. I hire people who live in the district. My sons graduated from public schools in the district, and I participated in the PTO. Year after year I provided low-cost physical exams so students could afford to participate in sports, donating a portion of the funds to the schools.

My life, my home, my practice and my community are here. This community helped me as a single mother of three. I truly want to give back to this wonderful district. Running for office was a logical step.

As your Councilmember, I will make sure District 1 receives the attention to our daily lives we deserve but has been lacking.

Carolina Chavez

I’m running for re-election to continue building safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and more opportunities for families across District 1 and the City of Chula Vista. Over the past four years, we’ve made significant public safety investments that have helped keep Chula Vista the safest incorporated city in San Diego County and District 1 the safest district in our city.

We’ve strengthened our economy by supporting small businesses, creating local jobs, and advancing Bayfront improvements that bring new investment to our region—all while maintaining a fiscally sound city budget.

We’ve expanded opportunities for youth and working families by bringing higher education closer to home and investing in our community's future.

What makes me the best candidate is my commitment to community-first leadership and collaboration—working alongside residents, my council colleagues, city staff, regional leaders, and community partners to deliver for Chula Vista.

Greg Martinez

No response

Sergio C. Vargas

No response

DISTRICT TWO CANDIDATES

Russ Hall

I am running to offer unparalleled experience and common sense…..I have an actual 32 year record. The others don’t. Russ Hall is the only candidate with extensive Chula Vista centered civic experience that includes over 32 years serving on four major city commissions including Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Growth Management Commission. As well Russ led the fight on behalf of Chula Vista TAXPAYERS against sales tax increases that only hurt those who can least afford them, our seniors and young families struggling to make ends meet!

Jose Preciado

No response

Angelica S. Martinez

No response

Jesse Navarro

No response

Look for a second Q&A in today's Common Sense:

What are the top 3 issues facing this district and the city generally?

Stay tuned for the answers to tomorrow's questions:

What are the first 3 things you would work on if elected?

Do you currently support or oppose the use of ICE enforcement for immigrants who have committed crimes? What is your message to immigrants in this district?

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