Poway deserves an independent voice—not another vote for the mayor.
Peter DeHoff campaigned as an independent voice for Poway. In 2022, he promised voters that he would “strongly oppose high density development.”
In the 2022 Poway Candidates Forum questionnaire, when asked why he was running for City Council, De Hoff said:
“I am seeking the City Council seat to bring an independent voice that will add to a thorough and deliberate conversation. I want to bring the City Council a fresh view of what the community wants to be developed in our city moving forward.”
But look at his record since taking office. On the major development and land-use decisions I have reviewed, I have not found a single instance where DeHoff voted against Mayor Steve Vaus. On projects including Monte Vista, Fairfield II and Intracorp, De Hoff and Vaus voted the same way.
Peter DeHoff campaigned in 2022 saying he 'strongly oppose[d] high density development.' Since taking office, he has voted for major multifamily housing projects, including the unanimous approval of the 60-unit Monte Vista project and approval of the 16-unit Fairfield II expansion. He also voted for the 47-unit Intracorp townhome project on Poway Road.
That raises a simple question: Where is the independent voice Poway voters were promised?
Let’s not forget Lifetime Fitness in the Farm.
DeHoff voted to advance the Life Time development at The Farm; voters subsequently rejected the proposal. Is that being ion touch with the constituents?
A Councilmember's job isn't to be a rubber stamp for the mayor. It's to ask tough questions, challenge assumptions, scrutinize developers' proposals, listen to residents, and—when necessary— have the courage to vote “NO”—even when that means standing alone.
Poway doesn't need another Councilmember who follows the political direction of City Hall. We need someone who will make independent decisions based on the best interests of Poway and its residents.
Should a person sitting on the City Council have a record of suing the City?
A December 2010 Poway report states that DeHoff, then a private resident, filed suit against the City, arguing that the City had not followed the proper legal procedures in deciding to light the fields. The dispute included the question of whether the City should have conducted additional biological/environmental review.
The reality is in 2010, Peter DeHoff sued the City of Poway over the City's approval of lighting at the Arbolitos sports fields, challenging the City's environmental review and procedures.
Poway doesn't need another vote for the mayor. It needs a voice for its residents.
I won't be told how to vote. I won't be pressured into supporting a project because it's politically convenient. I'll ask the hard questions, listen to the people I represent, and make my decision based on what's best for Poway.
Independent leadership isn't about saying “yes” to City Hall. It's having the courage to say “no” when Poway needs you to.
That's the kind of Councilmember I intend to be.
Bob Walder