Measure C, the Chargers ballot initiative for a Downtown San Diego stadium/convention center hybrid, got a strong endorsement on Friday. The Downtown San Diego Partnership announced it has thrown its support behind the plan.
The Downtown San Diego Partnership is a group of more than 350 organizations. According to its website the Partnership has the stated goal of “creating a world-class urban destination that captures the essence of San Diego at work and play.” After six months of research in to Measure C the Partnerships’ Board of Directors voted in favor of supporting the Chargers proposal.
“Vibrant downtowns attract young, talented entrepreneurs, international visitors, and business professionals alike,” said Downtown Partnership President and CEO Kris Mitchell. “A joint-use football stadium and convention center facility will put San Diego on the world stage and contribute to the year-round vibrancy enjoyed by world-class urban centers.”
There are still several questions about Measure C that the Chargers have not answered publicly but they seem to have shared some pertinent information behind the scenes with members of the Partnership.
“This is no rush to judgment,” said Downtown Partnership Board Chairman Frank Urtasun. “The Partnership held three public forums, 13 meetings and met with 26 individuals representing 14 organizations. From those meetings, we came up with a considered set of conditions that the Chargers have agreed to resolve. That’s why over 75 percent of our board supported this position.”
It is unclear what conditions the team agreed to address or when it agreed it would address them. This development is especially interesting when you look at who is on the Board of Directors. The one name that sticks out above all others is Steve Cushman.
For several years the Chargers have identified Cushman as one of the biggest obstacles to them getting a new stadium built. Cushman, a veteran in the San Diego travel and car industries, has served as a consultant for multiple businesses who were interested in large development projects in America’s Finest City. He has also offered advice to San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. It should be noted the specific votes were not made public and we don’t know how Cushman leaned in the balloting.
Mayor Faulconer has not publicly announced his position on Measure C but there is a growing belief among people close to the situation that he will make his opinion known soon. If the Mayor was to surprise people and lend support to the Measure it would likely help increase the number of positive votes it receives in November’s election.
