Carlsbad candidates take on the issues

Four candidates in two races take to a forum to discuss homelessness, the airport, drive-thrus and more as the races enter the final weeks

From left are Carlsbad City Council District 2 candidates Tyler Collins and Kevin Shin and D4 incumbent Teresa Acosta and challenger Greg Day. The four participated in a candidate’s forum on Thursday at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa. Steve Puterski photo

CARLSBAD — Four candidates expressed their visions, accomplishments and how they would govern during Thursday’s candidate forum at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa hosted by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

This year features two races as incumbent Teresa Acosta is being challenged by Greg Day in District 4, while Tyler Collins and Kevin Shin square off in the D2 race. The election is Nov. 5, while mail-in ballots have been sent to registered voters.

The candidates faced a series of questions on the issues facing the city such as homelessness, McClellan-Palomar Airport, the budget, drive-thru businesses, project labor agreements and cannabis dispensaries, among other topics. (To watch the forum, visit the chamber’s YouTube page as the video will be posted later.)

Brief background

Acosta, who owns a consulting business, said she’s known for her work ethic, collaborating with others and holding a passion for the city. She said protecting residents’ quality, along with working to make Carlsbad affordable and safe are also continued priorities.

Day, a former Marine aviator and current United Airlines pilot, said he will bring leadership and collaboration to the council. He championed common-sense solutions and stressed the importance of working together.

Collins, a software engineer, said some of his priorities include standing up and fighting back against the State Legislature usurping land use control and development projects. He said with his academic and professional background, he would like to see the city deploy technology through smart thinking to better serve the residents.

Shin, a retired Culver City firefighter and Marine veteran, said his rounded life experience, along with having been a city employee, makes him a perfect fit for the council. He also said he would work to ensure the business community can continue to thrive, noting his experience of opening a restaurant in a hotel in 2020.