By Coleen Cusack, Esq.
This letter was written in response to San Diego ASA blog post: Running on Empty Promises: How Todd Gloria and Stephen Whitburn Ashed the City’s Cannabis Social Equity Program
“Actions may speak louder than words but patterns scream the loudest.”
― Christine E. Szymanski
With Gloria and Whitburn a pattern has emerged of telling voters what they think voters want to hear then doing the opposite. Why should their promises be believed this election cycle? Gloria and Whitburn also have a pattern of doing what special interests and corrupt influences direct them to do and ignoring the will of the voters.
It’s clear that Jesus Cardenas in his dual role as paid lobbyist for cannabis retailers and Chief of Staff for Councilmember Stephen Whitburn has influenced and continues to influence the office of the councilmember in his policy making decisions. The councilmembers’ actions and inactions in opposing funding and withholding support are incongruent with his empty promises. In contrast, my actions and words are consistent. As an epileptic since childhood, I’ve realized the benefits of medical marijuana.
As a criminal defense attorney I have seen upfront and personally the devastating impact the War on Drugs has had on communities of color. We must make deliberate efforts to repair and restore these communities and the families and individuals whom the war sought to destroy. The SEED Program has the mechanism to do this. If elected, consistent with my actions, I will support Cannabis Social Equity and the funding and implementation of the SEED Program.
Coleen Cusack, Esq. is a passionate and dedicated candidate running for San Diego City Council District 3. With a deep-rooted connection to the district and a commitment to public service, Coleen offers a wealth of experience and a unique and refreshing perspective.
