Decision comes amid scrutiny over Cardenas’ dual roles and potential impact on service to San Diego’s District 3.
Jesus Cardenas, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, has announced his intention to close his private political consulting firm in a move designed to fully dedicate his attention to the residents of San Diego.
In a conversation with a local news agency, Cardenas revealed plans to shutter the political consulting business that he operated concurrently with his responsibilities as Whitburn’s Chief of Staff. Cardenas’ decision, ostensibly driven by a desire to avoid any perceived conflict of interest, follows public critique of his divided attention between the firm and his civic duties.
In an email statement, Cardenas stressed his “steadfast commitment to the residents of District 3” and expressed his aim to “end even the appearance of impropriety” by closing the firm once all outstanding liabilities had been cleared.
Cardenas’ move could also be influenced by an ultimatum from Councilmember Whitburn, demanding a choice between Cardenas’ private enterprise and his civic service role.
While the public announcement was laudably transparent, it also hints at underlying issues that might have triggered both Whitburn and Cardenas’ desire for the firm’s dissolution.
Foremost among these is the firm’s troubling past, marked by suspicious transactions and a suspension by the state Franchise Tax Board, despite which it continued to counsel clients. Compounding these concerns, the firm, Grassroots Resources, currently owes money to the government following a federal loan acceptance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of supporting documentation for worker paystubs implies the loan will not be converted into a grant, further raising eyebrows as the firm reported no employees on its books.
Despite the announcement, an official closing date for the firm remains unknown. The impact of this move on Whitburn’s public image and the unanswered question of Cardenas’ future commitment to the citizens of San Diego continues to be subjects of speculation.
