South County Steps Forward

By Chairman Greg Cox

The following editorial appeared in the Star News on January 10, 2003

This week I was privileged to be elected Chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. I am proud to have this opportunity to represent South San Diego County throughout 2003. My priorities of supporting children and families, preserving and enhancing the environment, and ensuring safe communities are goals that the residents living south of I-8 have been working toward for many years.

2003 promises to be a year of innovation as we are forced to tighten our collective belts due to a sagging economy and severe budget cuts at the State level. As a former Mayor and City Council member of Chula Vista, and a former teacher in the Sweetwater Union High School District and a lifelong Chula Vista resident, I understand how many people in the South County can feel distanced from these decisions made in government, particularly at the County level. Although the discussions of the Board of Supervisors may seem far away from your day-to-day life, as Chairman rest assured that I will work to make certain that your County government operates in the most efficient, responsive and practical way possible.

I have often called the County of San Diego the “hidden” layer of government because, frankly, many people simply don’t know what it is we do. County programs and services interact with daily life in countless ways, be it your marriage license, property tax bill, or restaurant inspection. Some residents visit County parks or libraries, others find themselves in County jails. The County works to clean the air we breathe, give families a helping hand, and make sure all citizens are protected against pests like Mexican fruit flies and diseases such as the West Nile virus.

The County of San Diego plays a key role in making this region an outstanding place to live because service to the people of this County is our highest priority. Please join me as I highlight the many ways that County government works for you at the annual State of the County address that I will host as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. The State of the County event will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2003 in Copley Symphony Hall, located at 750 B Street in Downtown San Diego. There will be complimentary parking available in the parking lots at Eighth and B Streets as well as a variety of food, music and entertainment that will showcase the diversity of our region. The event is free and open to the public of all ages.

The State of the County event provides the opportunity for you to get to know County government while we highlight the accomplishments of our region and showcase the variety that South County has to offer. I am proud to represent South San Diego County and the First District as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 2003. I look forward to seeing you at Symphony Hall on February 5th!