At times, some candidates seem to be running against the San Diego Chargers, criticizing the city's 1995 agreement guaranteeing ticket sales, which in the team's losing seasons costs the city millions. And one proposal to raise the hotel-motel tax raises hackles in the tourism industry. Mostly, though, the campaigns focus on issues hardly anyone could criticize, such as the promise of better neighborhood services. The crowded field has a bumper crop of credible contenders with plenty of government and business experience. Although Davis is running for the first time, he's no stranger at City Hall, having led Downtown renewal efforts as head of the Centre City Development Corp. board, and he has a veteran campaign team.
Term limits play a role in influencing the size and quality of the field.
Golding couldn't run again, and three council members seeking the open mayor's seat are in their final council terms and prohibited from running for another. By the end of 2002, the city will have an all new City Council. Other factors may play a role in creating the chemistry of city politics. No one is dominant. There's no clear-cut group in charge.