Todd Gloria likes to tell voters what he’s been taught.

Todd, a lifelong San Diego resident and public servant, was taught if he loves something, he must work to improve it and leave it better than he found it.

He shares the advice in public forums and on the campaign trail because he believes in his vision for the city and its potential to positively impact the lives of all District 3 residents.

Whether it is our district’s infrastructure or public safety concerns, or the city’s fledgling finances, Todd has a firm grasp on each of the most important issues in this election.

For that reason, we proudly endorse Todd Gloria for the District 3 City Council seat.

Todd’s enthusiasm for public service is outweighed only by his knowledge and experience.

Todd, the district director for Congressmember Susan Davis, has dedicated his life to service. He’s worked with the San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, and was chair of the board at The San Diego LGBT Community Center. In 2005 he was appointed to the Board of Commissioners of the San Diego Housing Commission.

Through his work, he’s developed unmatched management and leadership experience, and he will be a valuable asset to a new City Council.

Todd has been criticized for accepting thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from developers, and a $100 campaign contribution from the president of the Manchester Financial Group, Perry Dealy.

While overdevelopment not consistent with District 3’s character is a concern among residents, contributions made by developers to Todd’s campaign are no red flag. Todd isn’t committed to serving developers; he’s committed to serving District 3. In fact, he split from the current council’s support for the 301 University Ave. proposal, saying publicly it was out of character with the neighborhood.

We see a broad base of support for the young, bright candidate – and that base includes developers. It’s preposterous to assume a $270 campaign contribution will buy Todd’s vote, or the vote of any candidate for that matter.

Likewise, Dealy’s contribution is insignificant, even in light of the Manchester Financial Group’s investment in the Navy Broadway Complex.

Despite the fact Dealy is employed by the infamous Douglas Manchester, who notoriously helped fund the November ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage, Manchester’s politics are his own, and Dealy cannot be branded anti-gay simply because he is employed by Papa Doug.

Similarly, some have gone as far to suggest Todd is anti-equality, simply because he accepted the contribution. This is, perhaps, the most desperate and disheartening attack we’ve seen in the race. Todd is staunchly dedicated to equality for all and marriage equality. To suggest otherwise is a sad, pathetic attempt to discredit this qualified candidate.

We firmly believe a donation, regardless the size, will not influence Todd’s vote. He will operate unaffected by development dollars with the best interests of District 3 residents in mind.

Todd’s opponent, Stephen Whitburn, is a qualified, intelligent, likeable candidate, whose enthusiasm and go-get-‘em attitude is refreshing. We liked Stephen immediately, and think he will do fine work in our community – but Todd is the District 3 candidate who will effect the most positive change on the council in this election.

Sherri Lightner says she never dreamed she’d run for San Diego City Council – but her district’s crumbling infrastructure and the city’s financial woes prompted her to throw her hat in the ring. We’re glad she did.

Sherri has a solid grasp on what needs to be done to effectively balance the city’s budget and reform its pension plan. She believes in smart growth and opposes overdevelopment. As president of her town council, she understands the needs of her district and the priorities of its residents. She’s earned the endorsements of four current councilmembers, including Toni Atkins and Donna Frye, Rep. Susan Davis, Rep. Bob Filner, Sen. Christine Kehoe and the San Diego City Firefighters and the San Diego Police Association.

She’s an outstanding candidate, and we are proud to endorse her.

We like Marti Emerald – and not only because she’s a former journalist. Though, certainly that speaks volumes about the kind of councilmember she’ll be. Asking tough questions, advocating for open government, building strong relationships, and holding leadership accountable is second nature to Marti. She shares a number of Lightner’s endorsements, including nods from the San Diego City Firefighters and the San Diego Police Association.

As the councilmember from District 7, she’ll also lead on the mini-dorms issue, which has created a headache for her district’s residents. We have no doubt she’ll help resolve this issue for her district’s residents.

Marti is the council member our city needs now. Vote for Marti Emerald for District 7 City Council.