Coronado is a special place, and choosing the people who will help guide our city is an important responsibility. I believe that understanding our community, appreciating its unique relationship with the United States Navy, and being willing to tackle difficult challenges are all important qualities in a City Council member.
My wife, Rhonda, and I are fortunate to consider Ricky Hoyt and his wife, Janelle, our friends. We know them as people who care about their community and the future of Coronado. That personal connection, combined with Ricky’s background and experience, is why I support his candidacy for City Council.
Why Ricky’s Navy experience matters
Coronado is a Navy town. Naval Air Station North Island and our military community are integral parts of our city’s identity, economy, and daily life. Our relationship with the Navy affects everything from traffic and aircraft operations to housing, infrastructure, and public safety.
Ricky’s years of service as a Navy aviator, instructor pilot, and department head give him firsthand knowledge of how the Navy operates and how military decisions can affect our community. He understands the demands placed on our service members and the importance of maintaining a productive relationship between the city and the military.
Having someone on the City Council who understands both the Navy and life as a Coronado resident can help bridge the gap between these two important communities. Ricky brings that perspective, along with the leadership, accountability, and teamwork developed throughout his military career. That experience can be valuable when working with Navy leadership to address shared concerns while ensuring that Coronado residents’ interests remain a priority.
Standing up to the Tijuana River sewage crisis
Another critical issue facing Coronado is the ongoing Tijuana River sewage crisis. Polluted coastal waters threaten public health, damage our beaches and local economy, and affect the military personnel who train in our surrounding waters. This is not simply an environmental concern; it is a quality-of-life issue for everyone who calls Coronado home.
Ricky has recognized the importance of making this crisis a regional and national priority. He has called for a permanent solution supported by reliable federal funding, accountability for wastewater infrastructure improvements, and a meaningful role for the Navy and Department of Defense in addressing the problem.
I appreciate his emphasis on combining cooperation with accountability. Coronado needs a representative who will work with neighboring communities and regional, state, and federal leaders, insist on measurable progress, and keep the pressure on until lasting solutions are achieved. Ricky’s military background and understanding of Navy operations give him an additional perspective on why clean coastal waters matter, not only to residents and businesses, but also to military readiness.
Education, leadership, and a commitment to Coronado
Ricky graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in economics and earned his MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School. His education, military leadership, and business experience provide a valuable foundation for evaluating city budgets, planning for infrastructure needs, and making thoughtful decisions about how taxpayer dollars are spent.
Just as important, Ricky and Janelle chose to make Coronado their home. His decision to serve our community through local government reflects a desire to give back to a city that has become an important part of their lives.
City Council requires more than good intentions. It requires people who are willing to listen, do their homework, work with others, and take responsibility for difficult decisions. I believe Ricky’s background and personal commitment to Coronado are relevant strengths he would bring to that responsibility.
Rhonda and I are proud to call Ricky and Janelle our friends, and I am pleased to endorse Ricky Hoyt for Coronado City Council. I encourage my fellow neighbors to learn more about Ricky, his experience, and his priorities for our city. Please join me in voting to elect Ricky Hoyt for City Council.
Mark Fleming is a Coronado City Council member. He said this letter is considered his personal endorsement of Hoyt and not an official position of the City of Coronado.
