Early on I was one of many urging David Galarza to run for the 38th City Council district. And he did start a run. However, it seems for personal reasons, David Galarza is dropping out. Here is his announcement today (also reiterated at tonight's CBID meeting):

It is with much difficulty that I write to you today...I am sorry to inform you that I must withdraw my candidacy to the 38th District of the City Council...

Over the past two weeks, I have curtailed many of my activities as I wrestled with the dilemma of whether or not to continue this run...My family is the most important part of me and they inspire me to fight for the betterment and improvement of the City where we live. I will continue to work with you to fight the good fights and win the battles that can be won. My pledge to you is that I will work to bring a voice - our voice - to the forefront of policy and decision-making in government.

My decision to run in 2005 and this year were the correct one. We lack political leadership, vision and a commitment to our community from many of our leaders. We must collectively challenge and push them. We are suffering from a deficiency of initiatives and ideas that directly impact the quality of education, healthcare, housing, the environment and jobs in this district. It is unacceptable and intolerable that we are subjected to political mediocrity when alternatives are clear.

Tonight the remaining challenger in the race, Robinson Iglesias, spoke at CBID. He was not polished and he did not come of as a professional politician. But he came off dedicated, earnest and intelligent. For more about Robinson Iglesias, please visit his website.