City Council candidate Cate challenges Carol Kim to three debates

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – San Diego City Council candidate Chris Cate Tuesday challenged runoff rival Carol Kim to three debates in District 6, which includes Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Clairemont and parts of Rancho Penasquitos.

“I look forward to participating in a series of forums and debates so that voters have the opportunity to meet the candidates, listen to our ideas and ask us questions,” said Cate, a Republican and self-described taxpayer advocate.

A representative of the Kim campaign was expected to comment on the challenge later this afternoon.

Cate said the Mira Mesa Town Council, Clairemont Town Council and the Asian Pacific American Coalition have expressed interest in hosting forums.

The campaign also plans to host 10 smaller “community coffee” forums, he said.

Cate won 47 percent of the vote in the June 3 primary to replace Councilwoman Lorie Zapf, who shifted to District 2. Democrat Kim, an education consultant, was second in the five-person field with 31.5 percent.

“These forums are great opportunities to encourage civic engagement, and our campaign is committed to getting more of the people in this district engaged in this election,” Cate said.

The general election is Nov. 4.