Scott Sherman is a member of the San Diego City Council, representing District 7. He is also a member of SDWP’s Policy Board. Here he tells SDWP about his first job and shares the accomplishments he is most proud of in his time as Councilmember.
SDWP: What issues are you most passionate about as they relate to workforce development?
Sherman: I am most passionate about working to create the most efficient and cost-effective government possible that delivers the best value to San Diego taxpayers. Cutting burdensome regulations and red tape on job creators is important to make jobs available for San Diego families.
Creating effective job training programs and workforce development is an important service to provide to hardworking San Diegans to give them the knowledge, opportunity and work-related skills that they need to step up the economic ladder. Helping to train San Diegans for jobs also helps improve San Diego’s economy.
SDWP: What was your first job, and how did that experience impact you?
Sherman: My first job was pumping gas and servicing cars at a gas station. It was a low-paying and dirty job but I learned the basic skills of what it takes to be a good employee. I also learned the value of hard work and the pride of having a job and earning a paycheck. After proving to my employer that I was a useful and valued employee, he gave me additional responsibilities with increased pay.
With hard work and good training, I believe that every individual can reach the job they desire. To help achieve this, the City Council must work hard to make San Diego the most business-friendly city possible and invest in robust and effective workforce development programs.
SDWP: What accomplishment (s) are you most proud of in your time as a City Councilmember?
Sherman: I am most proud of the reforms the City Council has been able to implement to create cost-savings for San Diego taxpayers. Those cost-savings have been used to reinvest money back into our neighborhoods.
Thanks to streamlining bureaucracies and cutting red tape, new funds were made available for the reopening of night camping at the Kumeyaay Campgrounds in my district. The Kumeyaay Campgrounds are a unique wildlife preserve in the heart of the City of San Diego where residents can enjoy nature while staying close to home.
I am also proud of securing funds for a new skate park for youth in the community of Linda Vista, and significant investments and upgrades to several parks in the communities of Serra Mesa, Allied Gardens, Lake Murray and Del Cerro.
I grew up in the community that I now represent at City Council and am proud to help bring improvements to the area.