Encinitas D1 candidates address visions, issues in lead-up to the election
Councilwoman Allison Blackwell, challenger Luke Shaffer discuss infrastructure, sales tax, spending priorities during Tuesday’s forum
ENCINITAS — Affordable housing, budgeting and drainage were the main themes during Tuesday’s candidate’s forum between Allison Blackwell and challenger Luke Shaffer.
The virtual forum was hosted by the League of Women Voters as both candidates shared their views on a range of topics, but most of their positions centered on housing, budgeting and drainage in Leucadia.
The candidates also touched on public safety, environmental priorities and Measure K, the city’s proposed one-cent sales tax increase.
Blackwell was appointed to the council in January 2023, and now serves as deputy mayor, and is a former labor attorney and chief human resources officer. She said some of her priorities include improving infrastructure, increasing affordable housing options, protecting the coastline, a new fire station and working with state leaders to provide realistic solutions to address development.
Shaffer, meanwhile, is a U.S. Marine veteran fighter pilot, entrepreneur, high school lacrosse coach and a native of Encinitas. He said his priorities include providing affordable housing, addressing public safety, infrastructure and fighting back against state overreach regarding development laws.
This was the second forum in Encinitas as a mayoral event was held in August between incumbent Tony Kranz and Councilman Bruce Ehlers. (Watch here) Mail-in ballots go out in the next several days and the election is Nov. 5.
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