Bob Filner

bob filner

Bob Filner, a Democrat, is US Congressional representative for California’s 51st district – areas such as the Imperial County and southern regions of San Diego County. Filner taught history at San Diego State University and then served as President of the San Diego Board of Education, as well as the San Diego City Council. He was elected representative in 2007, and serves on the House of Representatives Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Pension Reform: Filner opposed Prop B leading up to the primary election and until a few weeks after. Instead, he said the pension shortfall can be fixed by refinancing the current pension debt at a lower interest rate and reducing the annual payment over the next few years. Then, in July, he no longer touted the plan, saying he would work to implement Prop B, even though he doesn't believe it will save the city money.

Infrastructure: Filner publicly announced his plan to pay for city transportation and infrastructure projects using federal funding.

Education: Filner has released a multi-step plan for education reform that would better coordinate city services for children with the district's services.

Construction projects: Filner has floated the idea of public ownership of the Chargers to help pay for a new football stadium.

Job Creation: Filner's major idea for growing the local job economy is to turn San Diego's port into a "Global Maritime Center," and invest in more renewable energy projects.