Editor’s note: The Coronado News has invited all City Council and mayoral candidates to submit a first-person article about their background, civic involvement and reason for running for office. We intend to run articles in the order they are received.
It takes knowledge, expertise and political courage to tackle the issues before us. I possess all three. That is why I’m stepping up to serve our community, and to meet this moment.
Coronado is in so many ways unique, but our quiet island is being buffeted by storms both figurative and literal. Violent storms are increasing, outside government agencies are imposing mandates, and shared commons like our air and beaches are threatened by toxic sewage. Home insurance companies are raising rates, canceling long-time customers, or leaving altogether. It’s a warning flare. We must act.
I am an accidental candidate. I had no intention of running back in 2022 when four girlfriends and I created StopTheSewage.org. Then, my studies for an executive master’s degree in sustainability leadership from Arizona State University’s College of Global Futures led me to research and begin to understand the complexity of the issues facing our town. There are looming dangers associated with climate change, and our city is ill-prepared for them. The sewage crisis, flooding, e-bike and transportation, and out-of-date infrastructure are examples of the urgent problems confronting us. They require advocacy, not complacency.
Friends and neighbors and treasured and respected women in our community like Julia Viera and Anna Paul, all encouraged me to run. Our state assembly representative, Tasha Boerner, with whom I have worked on e-bike safety and environmental advocacy, has endorsed my campaign. Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, undoubtedly the leader in fighting the sewage crisis, has enthusiastically endorsed my candidacy. Mayor Aguirre invited me to join her successful, bipartisan, coalition trip to D.C. We returned with substantial funding. I currently work with Mayor Aguirre on her Health Care Task Force. We’ve engaged leading scientists and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to protect the public health. This is doing the hard—but necessary—work on the ground.
As the candidate with an understanding of all three areas of Coronado (I’ve lived in the Village, the Cays, and my mother-in-law is a part time resident of the Shores), I will champion the unique needs of these distinctly different areas. Assuring the city delivers for our citizens, and effectively communicates with them, is a critical part of serving as a city councilor. I won’t just have an open door, I will come knock on yours, as I have been doing during this campaign. I want to meet you and hear your concerns.
Through my professional life as a broadcaster, a Fortune 500 executive, and an entrepreneur, I bring empathy and understanding to our large and small businesses. Having served continuously on the South County Economic Development Council for six years, I’ll bring important business and government relationships to bear on day one.
In addition to expertise with the issues at hand, I’m an active community volunteer, having contributed my time to Camp Able, the Coronado-based nonprofit “dedicated to the empowerment of the disabled community in an incredibly fun and safe aquatic environment,” the Coronado Climate Advisory Group, Friends of the Library, The National Audubon Society, Coronado Historical Society, the Coronado Cays Yacht Club with our amazing C-Gulls, and others. As a Master Composter, I established the high school’s composting effort. I mentor last year’s CHS Club of the Year, the Stop The Sewage Club. It’s a privilege modeling civic engagement and advocacy for these dedicated students. As you can see, I bring a unique and well-rounded civic and life experience to the city council.
The role of government requires that we do better as a city. I am the mother of four and the grandmother of six. I feel a duty to protect them and our community. Public policy and political courage matter. Problems don’t solve themselves. They require hard work, and solving them ethically and efficiently must be the only goal. That is why I am running.
I humbly ask for your vote on your mail-in ballot, or in person on Nov. 5. I have the know-how, the courage, and the dedication to keep Coronado safe. I’ve gotten a lot done on my own, and I can get so much more done for Coronado as your elected representative. Thank you for your time, your thoughtful consideration, and your vote.
For more detailed information, please visit LauraForCoronado.com
Laura Wilkinson Sinton is running for a seat in City Council in the Nov. 5 elections. Andrew Gade, Mark Fleming, Christine Mott, Amy Steward and Mark Warner are also running.
