More than 70 people filled the Joyce Beers Community Center on Tuesday, as District 3 City Council candidates Todd Gloria and Stephen Whitburn came together for a candidates’ forum at the Hillcrest Town Council meeting.

The debate, facilitated by Save Hillcrest chair John Taylor was somewhat different than previous forums the candidates have participated in. This time, they faced unfiltered questions from audience members.

Gloria was asked about having endorsements from politicians in Coronado who have not supported historical preservation in their area, as well as accepting campaign contributions from developers.

“I think the reason that such politicians have decided to support me is because of the close work I have done with them in working with Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office,” Gloria said, noting that he is not familiar with the issues that the individual politicians have had.

As for accepting contributions from developers, Gloria said, “Absolutely I have.”

“Campaigns are expensive and I have to raise money. I spent my years in public service and I don’t have the means to fund my own campaign,” he said. “Still that does not mean when it comes down to voting that I am beholden to anybody.” Gloria said he does not change his positions as a result of who has given money to his campaign

Both candidates expressed, as they have before, support for affordable housing.

When asked what they would do to create such housing, Gloria drew on his experience as City Housing Commissioner for the past three years, where Whitburn discussed his experience on the North Park Planning Committee.

“It’s easy for people to talk about affordable housing, but it’s difficult to get it done,” Gloria said. “As a city housing commissioner I’ve helped to create 2,000 housing units that are affordable housing units. Many people know how to create them, that’s no problem; it’s subsidizing them that’s difficult. I have that experience.”

Whitburn said his opponent has indicated in past forums that District 3 has accepted its share of affordable housing and that affordable housing ought to be built in other parts of the community, which Whitburn disagrees with.

“I would rather concentrate on creating affordable housing in District 3,” Whitburn said. “I think that we have people here in our district who need affordable housing and who want to be able to be close to their jobs rather than having to move elsewhere to be able to live. So I unequivocally support affordable housing here in the third district and that is something I have a record of doing on the North Park Planning Committee.” Whitburn also noted special attention to the density of affordable housing also needs to be given when planning so it does not create traffic and transportation problems.

Regarding the city’s financial problems, both said past City Councils have been asleep at the switch.

When asked what they would do about mismanagement problems if they arise, Gloria said that he will read the audits and has audit experience, and he will be aware when problems arise.

Whitburn emphasized it was more important to have independent oversight to point out when there are problems rather than keep things internal.

Finally, the big question many have wondered is what each candidate thinks sets him apart from the other.

Both said experience.

Whitburn said he has a “broad variety of experience” spanning back more than 25 years as a journalist with many years of government reporting. He also mentioned his experience in grassroots organizing and his current work at the Red Cross. He said that he feels he has a breadth of background and speaks Spanish, which will allow him to interact with many of his constituents.

“I am not a candidate of developers and lobbyists and also have the endorsement of Councilwoman Donna Frye and the Democratic Party,” he said.

“To discount my work in government is not fair,” Gloria said. He again spoke of his biography and his experience in public service as a member of Davis’ office, attending community meetings, volunteering and being on the San Diego Housing Commission.

Ultimately District 3 residents will decide whose experience matters most when they go to the polls and vote when Councilmember Toni Atkins terms out in November.